Man arrested after allegedly strangling pregnant girlfriend

HURON – Robert Bennett, 37, of Cleveland, was arrested and charged with two felonies Friday afternoon, after he allegedly strangled his girlfriend, who is pregnant with his child.

According to a report from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Bennett’s girlfriend allegedly claimed that he confronted her about texts on her phone that were to another man, which she claims are old. She allegedly said that he became outraged and placed his hands around her neck for three minutes on and off. She also allegedly claimed that she was pinned down on a bed for a duration of that time. Deputes allegedly observed strangulation marks and redness on her neck. She transported to Firelands Regional Medical Center.

Bennett allegedly told deputies that his girlfriend began assaulting him first and he was only defending himself. He also allegedly claimed that he tried to retrain her by restraining her by the neck. Deputies allegedly observed no injuries on him.

Bennett was charged with Assault (M1), Domestic Violence (F5), and Disrupting Public Service (F4). The domestic violence charge was escalated to an F5 due to the girlfriend being pregnant.