Alleged victim refuses to testify in Uniontown attempted homicide
The most serious charges filed against a Uniontown man in an alleged hostage situation were dismissed Friday after the alleged victim refused to testify.
The only remaining charge lodged against Christopher Allen Phillip West, 32, is a felony charge of felon not to possess a weapon.
The alleged victim placed a frantic 911 call Dec. 20 saying she was assaulted and being held hostage in a truck on Dunlap Street. She hung up when she said the man was coming back. Dispatchers pinged her location, and first responders later found her calling for help from a window at 5 Crowe Ave.
She later told police West was driving her around Uniontown searching for her ex-boyfriend. She told them he threatened to kill her while putting a gun in her mouth and shoved the gun in her face.
She was treated at Uniontown Hospital for facial injuries and a bite mark to her left ankle.
The woman showed police a .32-caliber pistol in the couch at the residence. The hammer was pulled back, and two rounds were in the chamber, police said.
West allegedly admitted to grabbing the firearm from her and carrying it around the house and in the truck.
Two counts of attempted homicide and one count each of aggravated assault, simple assault, unlawful restraint, kidnap and indecent exposure were dismissed. He waived his remaining charge of illegal firearm possession to the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas.
Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros reduced his bond from $150,000 to $75,000 Friday. West remains lodged in Fayette County Prison.