People across Lewis County are likely left shaken after details emerged from what investigators describe as a brutal late-night incident in the town of Diana.

According to the New York State Police, Troopers from SP Carthage and SP Lowville responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Old State Road at approximately 10:58 p.m. on May 23, 2026. When Troopers arrived, they located an unoccupied vehicle stopped in the roadway.

Moments later, officials say a female victim emerged from a nearby wooded area visibly injured, reportedly covered in blood and dirt and missing clothing. Authorities stated the victim was yelling for Troopers to keep a male suspect away from her as he allegedly pursued her from the woods.

State Police identified the suspect as Zachary J. Strough, 40, of Natural Bridge, NY.

Investigators allege the incident began following an argument while the pair were traveling on Old State Road. Police say Strough allegedly struck the victim multiple times while she was seated in the passenger seat before stopping the vehicle, forcibly removing her, dragging her into a wooded area, physically assaulting her, and forcibly subjecting her to sexual acts.

Troopers report Strough resisted arrest when taken into custody.

He has been charged with:

  • Rape in the First Degree (Class B Felony)
  • Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)

Strough was processed at SP Carthage and arraigned in the Town of West Turin Court. He was remanded to the Lewis County Jail in lieu of:

  • $5,000 cash bail
  • $10,000 bond
  • $40,000 partially secured bond

He is scheduled to reappear in Lewis County Court on May 26, 2026.

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

Incidents like this raise serious concerns throughout communities about public safety and domestic violence awareness.

Residents are left asking difficult but important questions:

How can warning signs be recognized sooner?
What more can be done to protect victims in dangerous situations?

The Hillbilly Media will continue following this case as more information becomes available.

Anyone with verified information is encouraged to contact appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Please avoid posting threats, personal information, or unverified accusations in comments.


All suspects are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The Hillbilly Media reports information based on police statements, public records, scanner traffic, and other verified sources available at the time of publication. Charges may later be reduced, modified, or dismissed. Please keep comments respectful and avoid posting threats, personal information, or unverified accusations. Source format aligned with your article structure request and master style guide