A Philadelphia man has been charged with choking his ex-girlfriend in Upper Darby.
Nathan N. Jernigan, 45, of the 2000 block of Laveer Street has been charged with strangulation, assault, fire arms offenses, and DUI following the incident Saturday.
According to the criminal complaint filed by Officer Corey Hansen:
Police were called to a home on the 2000 block of South Harwood Road at 3:18 a.m. for a domestic involving a firearm.
The caller advised dispatchers that her ex-boyfriend had threatened her with a firearm and provided his information. Police radio also notified officers that Jernigan had an active warrant for his arrest and was trying to leave the scene in a dark colored Hyundai Palisade.
Officers arrived to see the Hyundai and conducted a felony vehicle stop. Jernigan was ordered out of the vehicle and placed into handcuffs.
The strong odor of alcoholic beverage was detected on him and he had difficulty keeping his balance and following directions while being ordered out of the vehicle.
Nathan Jernigan (COURTESY PHOTO)
Officers made contact with the victim, who said that Jernigan arrived at the residence highly intoxicated and was asked multiple times to leave, then a verbal altercation escalated to a physical alteration on the stairwell of the home.
The victim said Jernigan placed his hands around her neck and choked her. She pushed back and he pulled a firearm from his waistband but the firearm then fell to the ground and the victim recovered it, and locked it in a bedroom.
On location police observed the victim had red swelling on her neck which was photographed and a written statement was obtained.
Jernigan refused chemical testing for blood alcohol level. An inventory search of his vehicle found three small partially empty bottles of wine.
Jernigan was arraigned before District Judge Michael F. Culp, who set a monetary bail at $250,000. The defendant was unable to post bail and taken to Delaware County prison. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Dec. 4 before District Judge Benjamin Johns.
Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt acknowledged the courage of the woman, and all women, who come forward and seek help.
“We stand with you and support you. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7,” he said. “Once again, a senseless act of domestic violence. Putting your hands on a woman, especially choking her, is unacceptable. This behavior is cowardly and will not be tolerated. You will be arrested and prosecuted. There are no excuses.”
Bernhardt also recognize the responding officers saying, “their quick actions kept everyone safe and brought the suspect into custody without further harm.”