A 27-year-old Dunnellon man was arrested after allegedly choking a female victim with his forearm during an argument.
On Wednesday, October 13 at around 4:30 p.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived at a Dunnellon residence in response to a domestic battery.
The female victim informed the deputy that a verbal altercation had turned physical.
The argument began when Carlos Montalvo came home around 4:00 a.m. The victim stated that she confronted Montalvo, and he slapped her across the left side of her face.
According to the victim, Montalvo pinned her against the bed, pressed his forearm against her throat, and she was unable to breathe for around fifteen seconds.
In an attempt to break free, she scratched Montalvo’s forearm and he released her. Montalvo left the residence prior to the arrival of the deputy.
A corporal with the Dunnellon Police Department spotted Montalvo’s vehicle on the 11500 block of North Williams Street. After a traffic stop was conducted, Montalvo was detained.
Montalvo denied that a physical altercation occurred and stated that the incident was only verbal. He claimed that the victim repeatedly grabbed his arm, and he used his forearm to press against her chest to push her away before leaving the residence.
Due to the victim having injuries consistent with her statement, Montalvo was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. He posted bond and is facing a felony charge for battery by strangulation.
He has an upcoming court date on November 16 at 9:00 a.m., according to jail records.