A Butler man threatened to put a woman “to sleep,” according to charges filed Sunday, Dec. 21.

Patrick J. Mellon, 36, of Butler, has been charged with felony strangulation, misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment by subjecting another to physical contact in connection with a Sunday incident in which he is accused of strangling a woman until she was nearly unconscious.

According to an affidavit, police noticed the woman had bloodshot eyes and a red mark on her throat when they responded to the home following a report of a possible “fight” with children in the home.

According to the affidavit, she told police Mellon put her in a chokehold from behind and told her that he would “put (her) to sleep.” She said she was unable to breathe.

Police said officers found Mellon visibly intoxicated on the porch and placed him under arrest.

Mellon was arrested and placed in the Butler County Prison with a bail of $80,000.

His preliminary hearing is set for Thursday, Jan. 8, in front of District Judge Kevin O’Donnell.