Decatur man accused of attempting to strangle girlfriend

PRICEVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — The Priceville Police Department said a man was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend Tuesday night.

PPD told News 19 that Joseph C. Hockett was arrested Tuesday after officers were called to a home around 10:30 p.m.

Priceville Police Chief Jerry Holmes said there was a disagreement between Hockett and his girlfriend and the disagreement was also in the presence of a juvenile. The juvenile was told to call the police by the victim.

Once on the scene, Chief Holmes said officers found probable cause to arrest Hockett for domestic violence (strangulation or suffocation).

Chief Holmes said in the section of the domestic violence law, strangulation, is defined as intentionally causing asphyxia by closure or compression of the blood vessels or air passages of the neck as a result of external pressure on the neck.

Domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation is a Class B felony.

Hockett was taken to the Morgan County Jail with his bond set at $5,000. The department said the victim declined medical attention on the scene.

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