An Iowa City man is accused of assaulting a woman and cutting off her air supply.

Mariano Garcia Rafael, 29, 521 Kirkwood Ave., was charged Aug. 24 with domestic abuse/assault impeding air/blood flow, child endangerment, and domestic abuse/assault resulting in injury or mental illness.

According to the arrest affidavit, Garcia Rafael pulled the woman’s backpack, which pressed against her throat.

Garcia Rafael also hit her arm and scratched her while she was holding her child, the affidavit said.

Domestic abuse/assault impeding air/blood flow is a Class-D felony.