Butler police arrested a city man they say strangled and assaulted a woman early Sunday during a domestic dispute at his home on the 300 block of West Diamond Street.

District Judge Lewis Stoughton arraigned James J. Gautreau, 47, on a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of simple assault. Gautreau was placed in the Butler County Prison in lieu $10,000 bond following arraignment.

Stoughton also ordered Gautreau to have no contact with the victim while the case is pending.

Police said they were called to Gautreau's home about 3:15 a.m. for the reported domestic. Officers spoke to a witness who told them he was at the home and saw the alleged assault.

The witness said the defendant was straddled over the victim, who was on her back prone on the couch, according to charging documents. Gautreau reportedly had his hands on the woman's neck, and he also struck her in the head and face multiple times.

Police said the witness recounted that he intervened and separated the suspect and victim.

The woman later told police that Gautreau “grabbed her by the neck, which did impede her breathing,” documents said. She said he struck her in the head and face before the witness stepped in.

The victim described having “moderate pain” from the suspected assault, police said.

Officers said they were unable to interview Gautreau because he was “highly impaired.” But he repeatedly told them that “nothing happened,” police said.