Apple Valley Man Charged with Strangling, Threatening Woman

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An Apple Valley man has been charged with choking a woman, threatening to stab her with a kitchen knife and being in possession of an illegally altered gun.

Dwayne Washington, 41, is charged with three felonies: making terroristic threats and possession of a firearm with an altered or removed serial number, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and domestic assault by strangulation, for which the maximum penalty is three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, a woman reported to Apple Valley police Oct. 23 that Washington had strangled her earlier that afternoon.

The victim said Washington met her in her driveway when she returned home earlier that day and began arguing with her about money. She said that once they were inside, Washington told her he wanted to kill her. He grabbed her by the neck and squeezed so she was unable to breathe for about 10 seconds.

As the argument continued, Washington grabbed the victim by both arms and squeezed, leaving bruises, according to the complaint. Washington then grabbed her by the throat again and squeezed for 10 seconds, cutting off her breath, the victim told police.

At one point, Washington picked up a kitchen knife and told the victim, “I just want to put this through your heart,” according to the complaint. She told police that she gathered her two children and told Washington she was taking them to get some food, but instead drove to the police station.

Police found Washington at the home and arrested him. He told officers that the victim was his “high school sweetheart,” that he had put a lot into the relationship and “felt he deserved more from her,” according to the complaint. He admitted putting a hand on the victim’s neck and telling her, “This is what can happen,” but denied applying pressure, the complaint says.

Washington also admitted that he yelled at the victim while clenching his fist, but denied that he had attempted to scare her, according to the complaint.

The victim told police that two weeks earlier, Washington loaded a gun in front her, telling her first that he wanted to shoot her, then that he wanted to shoot himself instead. The victim led officers to a bedroom closet and showed them the gun, which had its serial number scratched off.

Washington has been released from custody on bond, with the stipulation that he stay away from the victim’s home and place of employment. An omnibus hearing in his case is scheduled Jan. 29 in Dakota County District Court in Hastings.