A victim reported to Officer Joshua Bitner on June 19, 2026, that she had been physically abused by her boyfriend, identified as Wayne P. Bennett. The incident began as a verbal altercation, which escalated to Bennett pushing the victim to the ground and dragging her by her ankles. When the victim threatened to call the police, Bennett took her phone and vehicle keys. The victim pleaded with Bennett to stop, but he ignored her and proceeded to choke her, restricting her airflow and telling her he wasn't sure why he didn't just kill her. The victim feared for her life during this incident.

Following consultation with the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit Supervisor Jessica Collo, Officer Bitner obtained an arrest warrant, charging Wayne P. Bennett with robbery, aggravated assault, strangulation, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another person, and unlawful restraint/serious bodily injury. An arrest warrant was issued for Bennett.

On June 19, 2026, at 12:10 a.m., West Earl Police Department officers arrested Bennett at his residence without incident. He was arraigned by District Judge Andrew Lefever, who set his bail at $400,000.00, and Bennett was subsequently held at the Lancaster County Prison.