TROOPERS: Woman struck multiple times in car before being dragged into wooded area and raped in Lewis County

DIANA- A North Country area resident allegedly struck a female victim several times in a vehicle before dragging them into a wooded area – forcing her to perform sexual acts.

The New York State Police reports that Zachary J. Strough, age 40, of Natural Bridge, NY has been formally charged with one felony count of rape in the first-degree and one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest.

It was sometime just before 11:00 p.m. Saturday when Troopers responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Old State Road in the town of Diana.

Troopers discovered an unoccupied vehicle stopped in the roadway. Moments later, a female victim emerged from a nearby wooded area visibly injured, covered in blood and dirt, and missing clothing.

State Police said the victim was yelling for Troopers to keep Strough away from her while he pursued through the woods. Strough was immediately arrested, but not before resisting.

Investigators determined the two had been involved in an argument. While traveling on Old State Road, Strough allegedly struck the victim multiple times while she was seated in the passenger seat.

Strough then stopped the vehicle, forcibly removed the victim from the car, dragged her into a wooded area, physically assaulted her, and forcibly subjected her to sexual acts.

Strough was processed at SP Carthage and arraigned in the Town of West Turin Court, where he was remanded to the Lewis County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond.

The victim was treated at Carthage Area Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries before being transferred to Upstate University Hospital.

The investigation remains ongoing.

NYSP image.