A 40-year-old Marion County man was arrested after he allegedly choked his wife outside a local residence over a YouTube video that made him upset, blaming the incident on the “influence of alcohol.”
On Thursday, August 1, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the incident location in reference to a physical altercation involving a married couple. Neighbors had called 911 to report that a man, Christopher Lewis Schanding, was “strangling” his wife in the front yard of a home, according to the arrest report.
Upon arrival, witnesses directed the deputy to the side of the home, where the deputy observed Schanding “standing over the victim” while allegedly holding her in a chokehold with “both [his] hands around her neck.”
The report stated that when Schanding saw the deputy, he “immediately dropped the victim to the ground” and was taken into custody.
The victim told the deputy that Schanding had been drinking that evening, and a physical altercation ensued after he “got upset over a YouTube video.” She stated that Schanding began arguing with her while in the driveway, and he allegedly kicked her car before grabbing her and throwing her against the vehicle, according to the report.
When the victim ran back into the residence and attempted to leave through the back door, she stated that Schanding began “strangling her” in the back yard. The deputy noted in the report that the victim had “very clear hand marks” on her throat.
The deputy returned to Schanding. After being read his Miranda rights, Schanding admitted to drinking prior to the incident, and he stated that he “has never gotten physical with his wife.” He further claimed that his alcohol consumption caused him to “batter his wife,” according to the report.
Schanding was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is being held without bond. He is being charged with domestic battery by strangulation.
As of 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 2, a booking photo of Schanding was not yet available.