A local man has been accused of choking a woman and causing serious injury.

William Conwell, 39, was charged on Jan. 27 with domestic abuse/assault causing bodily injury.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, Conwell and the woman had a verbal argument on Jan. 27. According to the complaint, the woman tried to separate herself from Conwell.

Conwell then allegedly pushed her onto the bed and began to choke her using his hands around her neck, the complaint said. Conwell restricted the woman’s breathing while she was gasping for air attempting to get him to stop.

The woman eventually bit the Conwell’s arm, which stopped him from choking her, the complaint said.

The woman suffered injury to her throat and neck as well as scratching and bruising to her neck consistent with the shape of the defendant’s hand, the complaint said.

Domestic abuse/assault causing bodily injury is a Class-D felony.

— by Alison Keim