Man accused of choking woman
The city of Russellville had its first arrest on Tuesday under a new domestic violence statute that strengthened the punishment for domestic violence instances where chocking or strangulation is involved.
Randy Charles Hill, 44, 210 Hoover St., Russellville, was arrested Tuesday evening for second-degree domestic violence-strangulation, according to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett.
Hargett said officers responded to a domestic violence call at the 300 block of Cherry Street in Russellville on Monday evening.
Hargett said when officers arrived, they found a female victim who had moderate to severe injuries to her face and neck.
Investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said the victim stated she had been choked and punched in the face.
“The victim told us that she had blacked out during the altercation, but she wasn’t sure if it was because of the choking or the blows she took to the head,” Lowery said.
Lowery said the victim was transported to Russellville where she was treated and released Monday night.
Hargett said following the investigation, warrants for Hill were obtained Tuesday.
According to Lowery, family members of Hill made him aware that police were looking for him and he voluntarily turned himself in Tuesday evening.
Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said that following the passing of this new statue in 2011, second-degree domestic violence-strangulation is now a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison upon conviction, as opposed to a Class A misdemeanor, which is what the offense was classified as before the passing of this new law.
“There was such a public outcry that the punishment for choking someone wasn’t severe enough because it is an act that puts a victim in serious fear for their life,” Rushing said. “It’s a horrible ordeal for someone to have to go through.
“This new statute really reflects just how serious this type of domestic violence can be in the hopes that the instances of choking or strangulation will be reduced.”
Hill is currently out of jail on a $2,500 bond.
