Hempfield man arrested in death threat against girlfriend

A 21-year-old Hempfield Township man was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill his girlfriend and taking her cellular phone during an argument in his car this week.

Greensburg police charged Daniel Joseph Blissman, of 712 Locust St., with robbery, theft, terroristic threats and unlawful restraint in connection with the incident involving Amber Maffit, 19, of Broad Street, South Greensburg. Blissman was arraigned Tuesday in Westmoreland County Night Court before District Justice J. Bruce King and placed in the Westmoreland County Prison before being released on $5,000 bond.

Greensburg police Officer Robert Jones stated in the affidavit that Blissman hit his girlfriend in the face numerous times as they drove from Youngwood to Greensburg about 9 p.m. Her nose was bleeding profusely as a result of the beating, police stated.

Jones alleged that Blissman, described by police as being 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, grabbed Maffit's hair with so much force that he pulled out large clumps of hair. Maffit attempted to use her cellular phone to call a friend for help, but Blissman allegedly took the phone from her and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about what happened. He allegedly refused to allow Maffit to get out of the car.

After Blissman drove her home, Maffit reported the incident, police said. Jones said he saw a large bruise and swelling under Maffit's left eye, as well as a cut on her hand.

Blissman faces a preliminary hearing May 27 before District Justice James Albert, of Greensburg.