A 30-year-old man was arrested on domestic violence, child endangerment, and DUI charges after allegedly striking his girlfriend and placing her in a chokehold following a party, Fresno police told GV Wire.

Officers were dispatched Saturday to a possible domestic violence disturbance and contacted a woman who said her boyfriend of six years, Darwin Polanco, had struck her in the face.

Police said the woman had a visible injury to her left cheek.

The woman told officers she and Polanco had been at a friend’s party, where Polanco had been drinking. She wanted to leave, but Polanco did not, leading to an argument near their vehicle, police said.

According to police, Polanco pushed the woman once with both hands before getting into the vehicle and attempting to leave. The woman tried to stop him because two children were inside the vehicle and Polanco had been drinking alcohol.

The woman eventually got into the passenger seat, and the argument continued as they drove home, police said. During the drive, Polanco allegedly struck her once in the face with the back of his hand.

Police said the woman called 911, but when they arrived at the residence, Polanco grabbed her phone because he did not want her speaking with officers.

As the woman tried to walk inside, Polanco allegedly approached her from behind and placed her in a “chokehold” for about 15 seconds, according to police. She told officers she had trouble breathing.

A Fresno police motor officer arrived and conducted a DUI investigation.

Polanco was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence, assault likely to cause great bodily injury, child endangerment, and DUI. He was booked into the Fresno County Jail.

How to Get Help

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, help is available at the Marjaree Mason Center 24-Hour Crisis Helpline, (559) 233-HELP, or by calling 1-(800)-799-SAFE.

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