West Hempfield Township Police Charge Columbia Man in Severe Domestic Assault Case
COLUMBIA, PA — February 11, 2026
A Columbia man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after West Hempfield Township Police responded to a serious domestic assault report on February 9, according to a criminal complaint filed through Magisterial District Court 02‑1‑03.
Officers were dispatched around 6:20 p.m. to a residence on Oak Hallow Drive after a caller reported she was “covered in bruises” and that the involved male had fled the scene in a black Toyota Corolla. Police identified the suspect as Luis Francisco Rodriguez‑Centeno, who was reported to have a suspended driver’s license.
Upon arrival, officers observed that the victim had numerous bruises and bite marks in various stages of healing across her body, according to the affidavit of probable cause. The victim told police that Rodriguez‑Centeno had been violent with her for several days, restraining her, covering her mouth and nose to prevent her from calling for help, and biting her multiple times, leaving wounds on her neck, chest, shoulders, arms, back, and legs—many of which had broken the skin.
The affidavit states that the victim was visibly distraught and fearful for both herself and her three young children if the suspect were to return. She reported that the violence in the relationship had escalated significantly in recent months.
While officers remained in the area, another officer located Rodriguez‑Centeno in a nearby parking lot inside his black Toyota Corolla. When officers attempted to stop him, he allegedly fled, ignoring verbal commands and visual and audible signals. Police later confirmed his operating privileges were suspended and that he had a prior citation for driving while suspended.
The victim has since obtained an emergency Protection From Abuse (PFA) order and was treated at the Penn State emergency department for her injuries. The affidavit confirms Rodriguez‑Centeno had been residing at the Oak Hallow Drive address and receiving mail there.
Rodriguez‑Centeno has been charged with the following offenses:
Felony Charges
- Strangulation – Blocking Nose and Mouth (F2)
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer (F2)
Misdemeanor Charges
- Simple Assault – Domestic Violence (M2)
- Harassment – Physical Contact (M3)
- Driving While Operating Privilege is Suspended or Revoked (S), Second Offense
Police requested a warrant for Rodriguez‑Centeno’s arrest based on the severity of the allegations and the risk factors identified in the affidavit.
As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
