Cheyenne Man Accused of Punching and Strangling Female
A 24-year-old Cheyenne man is facing multiple charges after allegedly punching and strangling a female.
According to a booking sheet, police were called to a physical domestic in the area of McCann Avenue and Robitaille Court around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.
Physical Domestic Call Leads to Felony Charge
Police say the victim told them Austin Cassel punched her in the head multiple times, strangled her from behind, and took her phone with the intent of keeping her from calling 911.
She reportedly asked multiple times for her phone back, and Cassel began assaulting her again.
Police say they observed redness on the victim's neck and chest.
The victim reportedly told police that Cassel was walking north on McCann Avenue and was wearing white shorts and a black top, and police contacted him a couple of blocks away near McCann Avenue and Bevans Street.
When police ordered Cassel to stop, he reportedly charged an officer, continued to refuse their commands, was tased, which was ineffective, continued to charge the officer, and was taken down and detained.
Police say Cassel told them he punched the victim multiple times in the head and body and "tried" to strangle her.
Cassel was taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where he was cleared for jail, and then booked into the Laramie County Detention Center.
Cassel was later charged with strangulation of a household member, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and three misdemeanors, including domestic battery, interference with an emergency call, and interference with a peace officer - no injury.
Bond Set at $2K Cash at 10%
Cassel made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Oct. 29, during which his bond was set at $2,000 cash at 10% and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Please remember that all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.