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Charges dropped in chain choking case

by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Staff Writer | December 1, 2020 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Felony charges were dropped against a man who was accused of choking his girlfriend with a wallet chain.

Caleb R. Ellis, 28, instead pleaded guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace and one count of reckless driving, all misdemeanors.

Police responded Oct. 21 to a report of a woman who had told her probation officer that her boyfriend, identified as Ellis, was physically abusing her. The couple lived together.

The woman told police that Ellis had choked her into unconsciousness on several occasions, according to court documents.

She also described an incident in which she climbed onto the hood of Ellis’s car in order to prevent him from leaving their residence after an argument.

Ellis allegedly began to drive off with the woman still on the hood. The woman said she jumped off the car when Ellis accelerated and hit her head, according to court documents.

Police arrested Ellis last month and charged him with two counts of attempted strangulation, both felonies. A judge ordered that he be held on $75,000 bail and issued a no-contact order between Ellis and the woman.

The felony charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement, according to court documents.

Judge John Cafferty reduced Ellis’ bond last week to $4,000.

Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.