Las Cruces man arrested for allegedly strangling, beating woman

Police arrested a Las Cruces man suspected of strangling and beating his girlfriend during a domestic incident.

Police said 39-year-old Brian Pontious, of the 4200 block of Winters Street, entered a bedroom and hit the woman as she was laying on the bed. The woman tried to get up but Pontious kicked her face and then began to strangle her, according to investigators.

Officers arrived at the home shortly before 6:00 pm Thursday, February 15 and reportedly found the woman suffering from visible injuries to her neck, face and lower back.

Investigators believe the woman lost consciousness for a short period of time. Her injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

Pontious was charged with a third-degree felony count of aggravated battery causing bodily injury and two misdemeanor counts of battery against a household member. He was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.