Former Quincy councilmember charged with assault

EPHRATA - A former Quincy councilmember is accused of strangling a woman in an attempt to kill himself.

Prosecutors charged Travis M. Wittman, 27, in Grant County Superior Court with second degree assault, according to court records.

Grant County Superior Court Judge John Antosz set bail at $7,500.

Wittman reportedly came into a Third Avenue Southwest residence and choked a woman with both hands until she lost consciousness, according to a Quincy police report. When she woke up about 10 to 15 seconds later, he allegedly was still on top of the woman. He allegedly told her he wanted her to attack and kill him.

He reportedly continued choking her and bit her on her forearm until she began to fight for her life, according to court records. He allegedly stopped and began using an extension cord to try and strangle himself. After she took the cord away, he reportedly tried to strangle himself with his shirt.

He allegedly fled the residence, and made several calls to the woman, according to court records. An officer convinced him to come into the police station, where he was arrested.

Wittman was elected to the council in 2009, replacing outgoing Councilmember Rebecca Young. He resigned his position in December.

Wittman's attorney, Susan Oglebay, just received the case and planned to meet with Wittman within the next few days before making a determination on how to proceed with the case.