A Toledo man accused of assaulting a woman on Sunday and trying to take her phone to prevent her from calling 911 is facing felony charges in Lewis County Superior Court.
The victim reported the assault at approximately 8:25 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, according to charging documents filed in Lewis County Superior Court.
When questioned by a Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy, the victim reported she was arguing with Joseph Holcomb, 51, when Holcomb allegedly pushed her into a vehicle, put her in a headlock and tried to grab her phone. She reported “she could not breathe for a short time, and then was able to separate and leave,” according to court documents.
The deputy noted there was redness around her neck when he spoke to her on May 26.
The deputy contacted Holcomb at about 8:55 p.m. that same day, according to court documents.
When questioned, Holcomb allegedly confirmed that he and the victim were involved in a physical dispute, saying she had entered a residence and spit on him. He allegedly said he “pushed her out of the residence and all the way into her vehicle.” Holcomb allegedly said the victim elbowed him inside the vehicle, and he then “put his arm around her neck to stop her,” according to court documents. He reportedly “showed (the deputy) a gesture consistent with a headlock.”
Holcomb allegedly “admitted he was angry but was not squeezing hard” and said “she was still able to breathe,” according to court documents. He also allegedly confirmed he attempted to take the phone away from her and knew she was on the phone with 911.
Holcomb was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail just before midnight on May 26, according to jail records.
He was charged Tuesday, May 28 with one count each of second-degree assault, domestic violence and interfering with domestic violence reporting.
Bail is set at $10,000. A no-contact order protecting the victim is in place.
Arraignment was scheduled for Thursday, May 30.
