A Durango man is suspected of trying to strangle his girlfriend and threatening to kill her at a motel Tuesday before she escaped and called police.
Louis Mitchell, 38, of Durango, was arrested on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder related to domestic violence, said Cmdr. Ray Shupe.
The incident was reported about 11:34 p.m. at the Adobe Inn, 2178 Main Ave.
The victim was sent to Mercy Regional Medical Center with bruising around her neck.
Mitchell and his girlfriend had been arguing when he grabbed her by the throat and threatened to end her life, police said. Police do not know how long Mitchell strangled his girlfriend before she escaped and ran to a nearby convenience store to call law enforcement, Shupe said.
Police arrived at the Adobe Inn and arrested Mitchell, who was taken to La Plata County Jail.
bhauff@durangoherald.com