Man arrested after strangling girlfriend told police he “bear hugged” her

PETERSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – One man has been arrested after strangling his girlfriend but told police it was a bear hug.

According to a criminal complaint, on Friday, June 14, 2024, Grant County 911 dispatched a domestic dispute at a residence on Shobes Trailer Drive in Petersburg.

Deputies arrived on the scene and observed a male who seemed to be emotionally distressed standing next to a car talking to a female seated in the driver’s seat of the car.

The female also appeared to be crying.

An officer asked the male, identified as 23-year-old Christopher Chan of Petersburg, to speak with them away from the female while another officer spoke with the female.

Chan told police that he and his girlfriend had been arguing. He stated that his girlfriend was between him and the exit of the residence.

Chan stated that as he was attempting to get through the doorway his girlfriend drew up her first up as she was going to strike him.

Chan told police he reacted and “bear hugged” his girlfriend to keep himself from being hit. He said he then got his girlfriend on the ground and held her there as he repeatedly told her to calm down.

He said he eventually got a hold of his cell phone and let go of his girlfriend.

The girlfriend gave a statement similar to Chan’s but claimed that Chan choked her and stated he would “put her to sleep.”

She told police that Chan choked her to where she couldn’t breathe and that it hurt.

Police asked the girlfriend if she wanted to press charges on Chan and she shook her head yes, according to the complaint.

Chan was arrested and charged with Strangulation. He is currently at Potomac Highlands Regional Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond.