CRESTVIEW — A Crestview man charged with battery by strangulation and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon is due in court March 17.
Charles Raymond Clausell, 28, and his girlfriend allegedly got into an argument that turned physical on Feb. 1, according to the arrest report. The victim told Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies that the physical fight began when the man tried to “forcefully disrobe” her, the report said. He allegedly wrapped his arms around her neck, choking her.
She broke away and went to the kitchen, where Clausell grabbed a kitchen knife, sticking it “into her stomach” then to her throat, leaving marks on both places, according to the arrest report. He then allegedly tried to place a pillow over her face, restricting her breathing.
Clausell told deputies the two had been in a verbal argument, but said it became physical when the woman “began stabbing herself,” the report said. He said he grabbed her hands and ended up behind her with his arms around her, trying to stop her from hurting herself.
He left the residence before deputies arrived and gave “false information” to deputies as to where he was, according to the report.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Court date for Crestview man accused of knife fight