PITTSBURGH -- A local man is behind bars, accused of performing a crude operation on a McKeesport woman that almost caused her to bleed to death.

Police said Doug Lenhart, 48, of Lower Burrell, used stainless steel clamps and tools that appear rudimentary at best to perform a botched castration. He has no medical license.

The victim in the case is a transgender female, meaning she was born with both male and female genitalia, police said.

She wanted that changed, so she searched the Internet for a doctor.

Police Chief Ron Willard said, "He wanted to help these people out. I got the impression that he was doing a public service."

Last Friday, Lenhart, an engineer by trade and with no medical training, performed a crude castration in the dining room of the victim's home.

Police said when Lenhart couldn't control the bleeding, he bolted and the victim called 911.

"We interviewed him and he claimed he had done that procedure in the past on other males," Willard said.

Before he fled, police said Lenhart tossed the victim's private parts in a garbage can.

The victim was hospitalized but is recovering at home.

Lenhart has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of medicine and surgery.