NICEVILLE, Fla. — A domestic violence victim says an argument turned violent at a home on Pine Street near Niceville on March 5, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim reportedly told OCSO deputies that 29-year-old Dale Atkerson put his hands around her neck and cut off her ability to breathe before throwing her on the ground.
Deputies reportedly found injuries to the victim consistent with her reports that Atkerson hit her in the face with her backpack, choked her, and pulled a clump of hair out of her head.
Atkerson said he did not recall strangling the victim but reportedly stated he did put his hands near her neck during the altercation.
Atkerson is charged with domestic violence-related battery, a third-degree felony, according to the OCSO.