On June 10, 2012 at approximately
0318 hours, Officers from the Columbia Borough Police
Department were dispatched to the 400 block of Locust Street
for an assault. Officers arrived and located a 24 year old
Columbia woman who had serious injuries resulting from the
assault. Police learned through their investigation that Eric
J. Dommel (28) of Lancaster had broken into her apartment
through a window and assaulted her while she was sleeping.
Dommel threatened to "kill" the victim. The victim
was able to escape and run out of the apartment and down Locust
Street with Dommel chasing after her. A bystander protected the
victim and called Police to the scene. The victim was
transported to an area hospital. Eric J. Dommel fled the scene
after stealing the victim's cellular phone. A felony warrant
was obtained for Dommel. An extensive search was conducted with
Officers from the Columbia Borough Police, West Hempfield
Township Police, East Hempfield Township Police to include
their K9 Unit, and Susquehanna Regional Police. Officers
searched several local residences after receiving information
regarding his location. While investigating a tip in the 200
Blk of S. 4th Street a small marihuana growing operation was
uncovered and two people were taken into custody. A 24 year old
Columbia man that was taken into custody will be charged with a
Violation of the Controlled Substance Act for possession and
manufacturing a controlled substance. Michael J. Lindsey, a 30
year old Manheim resident was arrested for an outstanding Bench
Warrant through the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Police
continued to track Dommel through the victim's cell phone and
were able to apprehend him in the 300 blk of Linden Street in
Columbia.
He was transported to the Lancaster City Police for central arraignment on charges of Burglary, Terroristic Threats and Simple Assault.
