Man faces charges in strangulation case

A recent domestic incident has landed a Columbia Falls man in jail.

Patrick DeWayne Jackson, 33, is charged with one felony count of strangulation of partner or family member, after authorities said he allegedly choked his girlfriend to near unconsciousness during a Feb. 13 incident at their residence on Braig Road.

According to court documents, when a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived at the home, he spoke to Jackson, who said his girlfriend accused him of being drunk, passing out and leaving their 10-month-old son alone on the couch.

Jackson also told the officer his girlfriend threw his PlayStation out of the window and attacked him. Jackson said his girlfriend scratched him on the forehead and took the baby to a neighbor’s house, court documents indicate.

When the deputy located the girlfriend, she said when she got home from work she found the baby alone on the couch and Jackson was allegedly passed out in bed from drinking. She said she freaked out, yelled at Jackson and threw his PlayStation out of the window.

The woman then said Jackson allegedly grabbed her by the throat and choked her until she nearly lost consciousness. She said Jackson then let her go, she grabbed the baby and went to the neighbor’s house.

Deputies reported seeing injuries on the woman’s neck that were consistent with hands being wrapped around her throat.

Jackson is facing a term of five years in the Montana State Prison and a fine of up to $50,000. He is lodged in the Flathead County Detention Center on $25,000 bond.