Sister pleads for man accused of kidnapping, assaulting ex to turn self in

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police are going door-to-door looking for a man accused of assaulting and holding his estranged girlfriend against her will in Canton Township Monday morning.

According to police, John Gallo, 40, is facing charges of unlawful restraint and aggravated assault stemming from the incident.

Authorities said Gallo began arguing with his estranged girlfriend at her West Chestnut Street home late Sunday night.

According to the police report, the victim locked herself inside her home and Gallo threatened to break a window or door to get inside. She eventually opened the door and Gallo told her that she was coming with him and that he had a gun, the report said.

Authorities said Gallo then drove the victim to a location in Washington County and told her they both were going to die. The victim told police she tried to calm Gallo down.

The victim told police Gallo had sexual intercourse with her against her will and drove her home.

Investigators said Gallo fell asleep once back at the victim’s house and became enraged when he woke up and she was on the phone.

For the second time, Gallo physically put the woman in his car, police said.

A witness told Channel 11 News that she saw Gallo and a woman fighting and Gallo hit the woman. She said she then saw him put her in a car.

"She went to run up that way and he slammed her on his car, opened the door, choked her, threw her in the car, climbed over top of her and held her down and drove out of here," the witness said.

A short time later, the North Franklin police were called when a woman was seen on the on-ramp leading to Interstate 70.

Police said the victim jumped out of the car and several bystanders intervened when Gallo stopped and tried to get her back in.

Before police arrived at the scene, Gallo fled and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Gallo’s sister, Cathy Gallo, said she’s pleading for him to turn himself in.

“I don’t want them to hurt him, I really don’t. He’s not guilty,” Cathy Gallo said. “I want John to know that police gave me their word they will do everything they can to bring him in safe. He’s not armed and dangerous. He’s not a criminal.”

Authorities said they found Gallo’s car abandoned near the Washington County Airport Tuesday afternoon. They searched a nearby wooded area, but didn’t find anything.

Investigators said Gallo has, however, been writing on Facebook.

“To all my peeps, I’m sure you seen me on the news today for allegedly sexually assaulting my ex. I assure you it’s not true. I did not rape her and I never had a gun,” Gallo wrote.

Anyone with any information on Gallo’s whereabouts is asked to contact police.

WPXI