Jonesboro Male Accused of Choking Partner During Domestic Disturbance

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro male faces felony and misdemeanor charges after police said he slapped his partner and choked her until she nearly lost consciousness during a domestic disturbance.

Devin Pole Pantoja is charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, a Class D felony, and third-degree domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor.

Jonesboro police responded July 30 to the 1000 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive after receiving a report of a disturbance between Pantoja and the alleged victim, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Officers reported seeing significant redness on the alleged victim’s left cheek. She told police that she and Pantoja had argued throughout the day before he slapped her in the face and a physical altercation followed.

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The alleged victim said Pantoja grabbed her from behind and choked her until she nearly lost consciousness. She told officers she feared she might die.

Police documented visible injuries to her left cheek, neck and sternum.

Pantoja admitted striking the alleged victim in the face but denied the remaining allegations, according to the affidavit.

Another witness who lived with Pantoja and the alleged victim reported hearing what sounded like a slap, followed by the alleged victim crying out in pain. The witness then heard furniture moving and the alleged victim gasping for air.

The witness told police they believed Pantoja was strangling the alleged victim.

District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause Monday and set Pantoja’s bond at $10,000 cash or surety. A no-contact order was imposed, and the court appointed the public defender’s office to represent him.

Pantoja’s next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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