A man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he assaulted and choked a woman known to him.

According to a magistrate’s complaint filed in superior court, 46-year old Sebastion Anthony Vasapolli, is charged with strangulation and family violence as third-degree felonies, along with misdemeanor assault. 

Police responded to a residence in Talo’fo’fo’ on January 1 and met the woman, who had visible bruising and redness on her face and neck. She told officers the suspect accused her of lying about her whereabouts, then struck her with cymbals while she was playing drums in the garage. The complaint alleges he later punched her, burned her with a cigarette, and placed her in a chokehold, briefly lifting her off the ground and cutting off her ability to breathe.

The woman was able to call police, and officers later located Vasapolli, who denied punching her.