A Grand Forks man allegedly choked a woman, threatened to kill her, started a fire in their home and threw a Christmas tree at their 3-year-old son on Monday, according to police.
Sherrod Soloman Garrett, 22, was arrested and charged in Grand Forks County District Court with terrorizing, endangering by fire and interfering with an emergency call.
According to a court affidavit, Garrett returned to his residence at 1802 Continental Drive, Unit 306, which he shared with Saquez Walker.
Walker told police she was asleep when Garrett woke her up by grabbing her throat. He took her to a bedroom and forced her into a corner, choking her to the point that he lifted her off the ground.
The affidavit said she left the bedroom but he followed her, throwing things. He threw a Christmas tree that hit their 3-year-old son, waking him up but not hurting him.
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Garrett then started to set things on fire, including a pillow that Walker put out before it got out of control. He also threatened to kill her if she called the police and took her cell phone.
Garrett's bail was set at $10,000.
Terrorizing and endangerment by fire are both Class C felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Interfering with an emergency call is a Class A misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment and a $2,000 fine.
The court also issued a no contact order for Garrett with Walker.
Garrett is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 1.
