Woman Assaulted and Choked in Downtown Walkway

A downtown confrontation between neighbours escalated into a violent assault Monday afternoon, prompting an urgent police response. Investigators say the attack left the victim struggling to breathe and in need of medical assessment.

A Guelph man faces several charges after a woman was assaulted and choked downtown Monday afternoon.

Approximately 12:45 p.m. a woman in her 40s called police to report the incident. She had been walking through a narrow walkway when she saw a man walking towards her the opposite way. The two know each other as they live in the same building and there have been numerous disputes between them.

As they met up the woman was pushed to the ground and had a hot coffee thrown on her. As she tried to stand up the man grabbed her from behind in a chokehold, holding her on the ground until the victim stated she couldn’t breathe.

The man then stole her toque and attended a nearby business where he claimed he had been assaulted. The victim was assessed on scene by paramedics and said she would seek further medical treatment.

A 56-year-old Guelph man was arrested for assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm – strangulation, and theft under $5,000. He was held for a bail hearing Tuesday.