LCPD: Man attempted to strangle girlfriend as they drove around looking for missing dog

Police arrested a man accused of trying to strangle his girlfriend and taking away her cell phone during a domestic disturbance.

Jonathan Scott Kerr, 39, of the 1500 block of Martha Drive, is charged with aggravated battery against a household member and interference with communication.

Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance at the home Kerr shares with his girlfriend sometime after midnight on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.

When the officers arrived at the home, Kerr was allegedly blocking the doorway. Police said he was also hesitant to let his girlfriend leave the home or speak with officers. After a short time, officers were able to take Kerr into custody and speak with his girlfriend.

Investigators learned the woman woke Kerr to help look for her missing dog. The woman told police Kerr became upset and started yelling obscenities at her.

As they drove around the neighborhood, looking for the dog, Kerr allegedly grabbed his girlfriend’s neck and “squeezed it to the point she nearly lost consciousness,” police said.

The woman tried to call police, but Kerr allegedly took away her cell phone. Kerr allegedly grabbed his girlfriend’s neck three times during the incident, police said.

Under interrogation, Kerr allegedly corroborated the woman’s allegations, police said.

Kerr was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.