John O'Donnell

A man is accused of choking his girlfriend and threatening her with a knife during a weekend domestic dispute at their Butler apartment on the 300 block of West Jefferson Street.

On Saturday, Butler police arrested John W. O'Donnell Jr., 39, who is charged with a felony count of strangulation. He also is charged with terroristic threats and two counts of simple assault, all misdemeanors. He is being held in the Butler County Prison on $50,000 bond.

Police said the 35-year-old victim told them that shortly before 5:40 p.m. Saturday, the defendant strangled her with his hands placed around her throat during the dispute, which started over money.

She recounted that O'Donnell also repeatedly punched her in the face, arms and side, and chased her with a knife while threatening to kill her, according to charging documents.

Officers described the woman as having facial bruising and redness around the neck and throat area.

O'Donnell was taken into custody at his apartment, police said. Officers recovered a machete and a knife from the home.

A preliminary hearing was not immediately scheduled. Online court records did not list an attorney for him.