Marion County sheriff’s deputies arrested a 71-year-old man Saturday after a night of drinking led to a violent altercation.
When deputies arrived at the home on NW 22nd Avenue, a shaken 68-year-old woman told them that Willie James Goings had been “drinking heavily” and had just returned from a party when he grabbed her by the neck and choked her. The woman said her breathing was not constricted and she was able to get away and call 911 for help, a sheriff’s office report states.
The deputy noted that the woman had minor swelling on her neck where she said she was grabbed. Paramedics from Marion County Fire Rescue were called to check her. And while the deputy was outside speaking with the woman, Goings came out of the house.
The deputy then made contact with Goings and noted in his report that he appeared to be intoxicated, slurred his speech and had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Goings admitted he had been drinking alcohol, the report says, adding that he insisted nothing physical occurred between him and the woman.
Goings was arrested and then admitted to pushing the woman in the shoulder. But he continued to deny grabbing her by the throat, the report says.
Goings, who lives on NW 22nd Avenue, was transported to the Marion County Jail and charged with battery on a person 65 or older. He was held on $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. to answer to the charge.