Pennsylvania Driver Who Wouldn't Stop Singing Christmas Carols Gets Choked Out By Annoyed Passenger

Allegheny County Jail
Clayton Lucas, 25, was booked into Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, (pictured) after he allegedly tried to choke a driver for singing Christmas carols. Lucas was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, strangulation, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Google Maps

A Pennsylvania man was arrested on March 4, after he allegedly choked out his driver for singing Christmas songs.

The incident occurred on Route 28, just before the exit 13 onramp, in East Deer Township, Pennsylvania, at around 9 a.m., KDKA reported. A state trooper was alerted to a possible medical emergency and found a parked Chrysler Town and Country minivan and two men.

The alleged victim told the trooper that he was driving the minivan with a passenger, identified as 25-year-old Clayton Lucas. While the victim was driving, Lucas reportedly reached around the seat and began choking the driver because he was singing Christmas songs.

The victim claimed that Lucas attempted to choke him in order to stop him from singing, according to a criminal complaint cited by KDKA. He said that Lucas restricted the flow of air and blood to his head, nearly causing him to pass out.

In the complaint, the trooper noted the victim's neck was red and that his eyes appeared to be bloodshot. The victim's name and age was not given. It was also unclear whether the victim knew Lucas or whether he was a taxi or rideshare driver.

The state trooper claimed that Lucas would not listen to his verbal commands as the trooper attempted to handcuff him. The trooper said he was forced to sweep Lucas's legs from under him to detain him.

The Tribune-Review reported that according to court documents, Lucas told police that he choked the victim because he was singing Christmas songs. Lucas was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, strangulation, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

He was booked into the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh on $25,000 bond. Lucas no longer appears to be in custody, according to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections records.

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