Woman Facing Charges For Beating, Strangling Off-Duty Police Detective At Brookline Bar

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A woman is facing a number of charges for allegedly fighting an off-duty Pittsburgh Police detective inside a local bar.

According to police paperwork, 44-year-old Angie Hindman attacked detective Michelle McHenry at the Brook Line & Sinker Bar. Hindman said the exact opposite happened.

She said she went to the bar around 7 p.m. Saturday. McHenry came in and spoke with Hindman. Both women are familiar with each other. Eventually, they got into an argument.

"I moved. I went to the other side of the bar, let it go," Hindman said.

She claimed McHenry left but came back later.

"She came back in like Hulk. She was throwing her hands up and screaming. The bartender asked her to leave. She's screaming at me, calling me outside," Hindman told KDKA.

Court paperwork says the incident took place on Saturday night around 11. Hindman is accused of going after McHenry because she is investigating Hindman's son.

Hindman allegedly yelled, "You're not going to come after my son. You're not going to say (expletive) about my son. He didn't do nothing!"

Investigators say that's when she went after McHenry, who was allegedly dragged outside of the bar. Hindman is accused of putting pressure on the officer's neck and then punching her in the face.

Investigators say at least 17 punches were thrown and when they reviewed camera footage, they saw McHenry had severe swelling to her face and marks consistent with being strangled.

McHenry allegedly told investigators another man and woman were involved as well. She was treated for her injuries at UPMC Mercy Hospital.

According to the criminal complaint, McHenry bit Hindman on the leg in self defense.

"When she bit me, and she wouldn't let go of my leg, I had no choice but to push her face," Hindman said. "But I guess it was her neck area. I was not trying to hurt her. I was trying to get her off of me."

Hindman was treated at UPMC Mercy before being taken to the Allegheny County Jail.

She is facing charges including aggravated assault, strangulation, and retaliation against a witness.

"I'm not innocent as far as defending myself, but she is someone that is supposed to be protecting us and taking care of us," Hindman said. "Not coming in outraged."

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this month.