KNOXVILLE – A Knoxville man was arrested for domestic assault after police say he choked a female victim in their shared residence.

According to court documents, the incident took place early in the morning on September 23. A Knoxville Police officer spoke with a juvenile who reported a potential domestic abuse assault between their parents, stating that they heard the victim yelling “Stop, I can’t breathe.” An officer later spoke with the victim, who said that she could not speak, explaining that the suspect, who was identified as 46-year-old John Wyatt, was almost home and she was in fear of being caught speaking with law enforcement; however, she did admit that an altercation occurred between the two.

Court documents state that, during the incident, Wyatt pushed the victim onto a bed and placed his forearm on her throat, choking her for a “few seconds.” The victim stated that she could not breathe during this time and that she was able to tell Wyatt that this was the case, at which point Wyatt released his arm, left the bedroom, and continued to yell vulgar language toward her. The victim also added that she had trouble swallowing after being choked, her voice was noticeably raspy the following day, and that she still experienced pain in her throat while swallowing days later.

An officer reportedly attempted to interview Wyatt regarding the incident; Wyatt claimed that an altercation did not occur between him and the alleged victim. Wyatt was then placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail; while in jail, he allegedly stated in front of multiple law enforcement officers that he was going to kill the victim when he was released so that officers could “arrest him on a real charge.”

Wyatt faces several charges as a result of this incident, including two counts of Domestic Abuse Assault – 3rd or Subsequent Offense (class D felony), one count of 1st Degree Harassment (aggravated misdemeanor), and two counts of Interference with Official Acts – Bodily Injury (serious misdemeanor).