Maryland Man Faces Assault Charges After Choking Woman

People expect to be able to do their shopping in peace, without being attacked by a stranger. When a person chokes or strangles a person, they can expect to face criminal charges, such as assault.

A Maryland man is facing assault charges after choking a woman outside Main Street Marketplace in Virginia. The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 18 in Fairfax City.

The incident occurred when a man approached a woman from behind at the entrance of Main Street Marketplace. He wrapped his arm around her neck and she fell to her knees. The man fled the scene but police later found him at a nearby shopping center.

He has been identified as a 41-year-old man from Capital Heights, Maryland. He faces charges of strangulation and assault and battery. He is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. No bond has been set. The woman has not been identified. She suffered a minor neck injury but did not seek medical treatment.

What to Know About Strangulation

Attempting to choke, or strangle, someone is a major act of violence. Even if the victim does not die, the attacker could be charged with assault or attempted homicide. Strangulation is the ultimate form of power and control. The attacker can control the victim’s next breath, and this can have a potentially fatal outcome.

Fortunately, the victim in this case did not die from the attack. In fact, she is lucky she suffered just a minor neck injury. In most strangulation cases, victims will usually feel terror and severe pain. If the strangulation persists, the victim will become unconscious through blocking of the carotid arteries in the neck or blocking of the jugular veins, which will deprive the brain of oxygen. The attacker could also close off the victim’s airway, making breathing impossible.

A small amount of pressure on both the carotid arteries and/or veins for just 10 seconds is all that is needed to cause unconsciousness. If the pressure is released within that time frame, though, the victim should regain consciousness within 10 seconds.

Many victims fully recover from being strangled and suffer from no physical or psychological injuries. However, all victims should seek immediate medical attention to get checked out in case there are any internal injuries.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Choking, strangulation, and other acts of assault are taken seriously in Maryland, as they can cause serious injuries and even death. If you have been accused of such a crime, seek legal help right away.

Even an accusation of assault can change your life. A Columbia assault lawyer from The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help you develop a solid defense for your case. We’re available 24/7 to take on your case. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (410) 774-5987. We have two offices to serve you.

Source:

patch.com/virginia/fairfaxcity/md-man-charged-choking-woman-near-main-street-marketplace-police