Off-duty cop found with purple face on cabin's front porch during family gathering after man pressed forearm against his neck to 'put him to sleep': Police

A family gathering at a cabin in Pennsylvania turned fatal when a man pushed his forearm against the neck of an off-duty police officer, allegedly strangling him to death, authorities say.

Paden Frey, 25, has been charged with third-degree murder in the death of 44-year-old Middlesex Township Police Officer Michael McGeehan, as well as strangulation involving the applying of pressure to the throat or neck, involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person, according to court records reviewed by Law&Crime.

The defendant is in the Lycoming County Prison in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, without bail.

During the early morning hours of July 11, Frey, McGeehan and others were at a cabin on 7190 Dam Run Road in Cummings Township, Pennsylvania. The rural area is located in the north-central part of the state.

McGeehan had been drinking, and several people on the cabin's porch were trying to get him to go to bed, according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by regional NBC affiliate WGAL. A struggle ensued, lasting roughly 10 minutes, and Frey allegedly held McGeehan down and pushed his forearm against the man's neck until the off-duty officer lost consciousness.

McGeehan's wife told authorities that Frey told her to get away while he lay on the victim and yelled that he would "put him to sleep." The defendant allegedly then left McGeehan there on the porch.

The Lycoming Regional Police Department reported being dispatched to the area "for an unresponsive male." Police officers said that when they arrived, they found McGeehan dead.

He was lying on his back, his face purple, WGAL reported.

"A joint investigation between Regional Police and the Lycoming County Coroner's Office revealed that Frey and McGeehan were involved in a physical altercation and Frey is alleged to have strangled McGeehan, resulting in his death," the police department added.

Frey allegedly withheld information about exactly what had taken place.

The defendant reportedly told investigators that he and another person "had been fighting with Michael, trying to get him to go to sleep," the affidavit states. Frey added that "eventually they got him" to lie down "on the porch where he fell asleep."

An autopsy was conducted two days later, determining McGeehan died from "manual strangulation by forearm compression of the neck," and the manner of his death was ruled a homicide.

The Middlesex Township Police Department announced McGeehan's "unexpected passing" on July 13. He was with the department for 12 years, serving "with professionalism, integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing the job well."

"While Mike was proud of his career in law enforcement, his greatest pride and purpose in life were found at home," his obituary added. He leaves behind a wife and five sons.

Frey was arrested Wednesday. He is due in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 21.