Authorities have arrested a New York man for allegedly assaulting a UI student.

Ryan Peter Finn, 22, of Blauvelt, N.Y., was charged Wednesday with false imprisonment, first-degree harassment, assault causing injury, and obstruction of emergency communications, a press release said.

According to police reports, Finn and his girlfriend were arguing in her apartment. He reportedly grabbed the victim by her throat and choked her, leaving marks. He also pushed her head against a wall, injuring the back of her head, police said.

Finn allegedly threatened to kill the reported victim.

She called police while traveling in a car with her boyfriend, and authorities were able to quickly find the vehicle. Authorities called it proof the new Joint Emergency Communications Center is effective.

While UI police searched areas on campus and the communications center issued alerts to area law enforcement, an Iowa City officer found the vehicle and pulled the car over, then arrested Finn.

Prior to the communications center, law-enforcement agencies operated three different dispatch centers and used two incompatible radio systems.

"This is an example of how critical communications is when an emergency is in our community," said David Visin, associate director of the UI police.

— by Hayley Bruce