Authorities have accused a North Liberty man of choking his girlfriend.

Eric Washpun, 22, was charged Nov. 16, 2013, with domestic assault impeding breathing or circulation with bodily injury, domestic abuse with the intent or display of a weapon, and false imprisonment.

Washpun was involved in an argument with his girlfriend on Nov. 16, 2013, that escalated into a physical assault at their residence, according to a North Liberty police complaint.

The complaint said Washpun used both his hands and his forearm to choke and impede his girlfriend’s airway. The woman told officers she could not breath, and she had red marks, scratches, and pain on and around her neck.

She also said she had difficulty breathing, had a raspy voice, as well as pain when swallowing, the complaint said. Pictures were taken of her injuries.

During the altercation, Washpun also forced the woman into a closet because she feared he would stab or cut her. Washpun allegedly had a knife in his hand and waved it in her face and stomach while she was trapped in the closet, the complaint said.

The woman is the mother of Washpun’s child, who was at the residence during the assault but did not witness it.

False imprisonment is a serious misdemeanor. Domestic abuse with the intent or display of a weapon is an aggravated misdemeanor. Domestic assault impeding breathing or circulation with bodily injury is a Class-D felony.

— by Rebecca Morin