Airman accused of choking woman, child in Florida

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. ( WKRG ) — An airman stationed at Hurlburt Field was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly choked a child and a woman, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Col. Brent P. Byng, 44, was the commander of the 19th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, according to U.S. Air Force officials.

Byng was arrested Sunday and charged with child abuse, obstructing justice, two counts of domestic battery – strangulation and aggravated assault.

According to his arrest report, Byng choked a woman until she could not breathe with children in the room. The children ran out of the room, which is when Byng took out a pocketknife and followed after them, according to the report. He also allegedly choked one of the children.

Byng also allegedly attempted to take the woman’s phone so she could not call for help.

Officials with Hurlburt Field released this statement:

“We are aware of the situation regarding the allegations about and the arrest of Lt. Col. Byng, and the Air Force is cooperating fully with the local authorities. The incident is under investigation by local law enforcement. Further details concerning the investigation should be referred to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.”

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