Whitefish man denies strangling girlfriend

A Whitefish man is denying charges that he strangled his girlfriend to the point of unconsciousness after an argument.

Jaymes Dean Leduc, 24, pleaded not guilty Feb. 5 to charges of felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor criminal mischief in Flathead District Court.

According to court documents, Leduc became upset and physical with his girlfriend during an argument on Oct. 8, 2014 at a residence on Lupfer Avenue. Leduc allegedly strangled the woman with both hands, cutting off her oxygen, and asked if she “wanted to die,” according to documents.

Leduc then allegedly placed the woman in a headlock, which caused her to pass out.

When the woman regained consciousness, documents note, she ran to her vehicle, and once inside, locked the doors.

Leduc then allegedly used a rock to break out the vehicle windows before fleeing the scene.

Police note that during their investigation they found the vehicle with significant damage and that they observed injuries on the woman consistent with assault, including marks on her neck.

A jury trial is set for July 6 with judge Heidi Ulbright presiding.

Leduc faces a maximum of 10 years in the state prison and a $50,000 fine.