Background: The home in Fredericksburg, Pa., where David Strause III was arrested (Google Maps). Inset: David Strause III (Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office).
A man from Pennsylvania found himself in custody after allegedly assaulting his wife, amid looming legal troubles concerning their infant child’s death.
David Strause III, 43, faces charges including aggravated assault following his arrest tied to an alleged attack on his spouse. According to a press release from the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office, shared by The Lebanon Daily News, the incident occurred early Tuesday morning. Strause’s wife dialed 911 at 1:30 a.m., claiming her husband was attacking her. Upon arriving at the Fredericksburg residence, Pennsylvania State Police engaged in a prolonged standoff with Strause, which ended with his surrender at 9 a.m.
The Lebanon Daily News noted that Strause was awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges related to the asphyxiation death of his 3-month-old son in May 2024.
The District Attorney’s report indicated that on the night of February 1, after an evening of drinking, Strause and his wife argued about her former boyfriend. Upon returning home, Strause allegedly forced her onto their bed. When she attempted to rise, he reportedly struck her face with a firearm, resulting in a bleeding lip.
Strause’s wife, in an attempt to escape, fled to the basement to contact 911. Despite her efforts, Strause followed her. Dispatchers later recounted overhearing a heated exchange on the call, with Strause reportedly yelling, “This is how you want it to end, get out!” He then allegedly seized her phone and destroyed it.
As she made her escape from the house, Strause’s wife reportedly heard gunfire. Responding officers observed her driving away from the scene and later discovered evidence of shots fired towards her vehicle.
According to the DA, “various departments remained staged on-scene for hours while they negotiated with Strause,” who “refused to exit or desist.” He surrendered at 9 a.m. and was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police.
According to the Lebanon Daily News, Strause and his wife were both charged with involuntary manslaughter after their 3-month-old son Gavin died of asphyxia on May 8, 2024. Police said the baby was put to sleep on his stomach and was found unresponsive in his crib. Paperwork illustrating safe sleeping practices for infants was found at the home.
Strause’s trial was scheduled to begin March 23.
Strause is being held at the Lebanon County Jail without bail. He was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and disorderly conduct. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12.
