KOSCIUSKO — A Pierceton man was recently arrested after police say he strangled a female then took possession of her phone so she could not call 911.

Gabriel Lynn Blocher

Gabriel Lynn Blocher, 44, 7912 E. CR 150S, Pierceton, is being charged with strangulation, a level 6 felony; domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor; and interfering in the reporting of a crime, a class A misdemeanor.

On Nov. 8, an officer with the Warsaw Police department responded to a domestic disturbance. When the officer arrived, he spoke with a female victim. The victim advised she and Blocher were arguing when he became angry and grabbed her by the throat. According to the victim, Blocher squeezed her throat causing pain and making it difficult for her to breath. The victim further advised that Blocher took possession of her cell phone to prevent her from reporting the incident to the police.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the officer detected the odor of alcohol coming from Blocher. Blocher consented to a portable breath test, which resulted in a .101 BAC.

Blocher has since been released from jail and has an initial court hearing scheduled for Dec. 6.