Priest from N.J. Charged with Choking Baby in Kansas Walmart

Philly.com
October 20, 2016

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/real-time/Priest-from-NJ-charged-with-choking-baby-in-Kansas-WalMart.html

A Ukrainian Orthodox priest from North Jersey reportedly has been arrested and is facing charges for allegedly choking a 4-month-old girl inside a Walmart in Overland Park, Kan.

The child was not seriously injured and police credited a security guard and bystanders who responded to her mother's screams with tackling the assailant, identified as Oleh Zhownirovych, of Clifton, Passaic County, Kansas City station KCTV5 reports.

Until 10 months ago, Zhownirovych was a priest affiliated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church in Passaic County, according to KMBC.com and KansasCity.com.

Police have not said if they know why Zhownirovych was in Kansas.

According to the reports, Zhownirovych was in a checkout counter at the Walmart when he allegedly grabbed the baby by the throat and her mother screamed.

Police said he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The baby's mother said she did not know him.

Zhownirovych is scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon.

Photos on NorthJersey.com show Zhownirovych celebrating a Christmas service in 2014.