Police: Man choked child

POST FALLS — A man is facing felony charges after police said he hit his girlfriend and choked a 9-year-old boy.

Justin C. Paul, 37, is charged with domestic battery in the presence of a child and injury to a child, both felonies.

Police responded Oct. 19 to a report of domestic battery at the Post Falls residence where Paul lived with his girlfriend and two children, ages 7 and 9.

The 9-year-old boy told police that he and Paul argued after the boy brought a chair from his bedroom into the living room and Paul told him to put it back. The woman allegedly tried to step between Paul and the boy, but Paul pushed her and she fell, according to court documents.

The boy said Paul grabbed his throat with one hand and squeezed for several seconds. The woman said she attempted to get Paul off the boy by pushing and hitting Paul’s back. Paul allegedly hit her in the chest and then choked the boy again.

There were visible scratches on the boy’s neck, according to court documents. The woman also reportedly had visible scratches and bruises on her chest and shoulder.

Paul allegedly told police that he had pushed the woman and grabbed the boy but did not say he choked the child.

Police arrested Paul at the scene.

A judge ordered that Paul be held on $40,000 bail.