POST FALLS - A 38-year-old Coeur d'Alene man arrested Tuesday night for first-degree attempted murder of his girlfriend is being held at the Kootenai County jail on $500,000 bond.

Kenneth Edward Schleining allegedly strangled his 26-year-old girlfriend from Coeur d'Alene unconscious early Saturday morning while in his vehicle parked at the Love's travel stop, 4208 W. Expo Parkway, Post Falls.

"When the victim regained consciousness, Schleining advised her to go back to sleep because she would be dead soon," a Post Falls police press release issued on Thursday states. "The victim was able to fight her way out of the vehicle and flee the area."

Post Falls police Capt. Greg McLean said the victim suffered from retinal bleeding in the eyes from being choked and had scratches to her body. She didn't go to the hospital.

"I'd say she's pretty lucky, based on her statements," McLean said.

McLean said the alleged incident wasn't reported until Tuesday.

"She reported it to a friend and the friend, in turn, reported it to us," McLean said. "(The victim) was afraid."

Schleining is a registered sex offender and he was arrested during his meeting with his probation officer on Tuesday night.

McLean said Schleining and his girlfriend met at Love's in separate vehicles before going to Spokane together for drinks. When they returned to the travel stop to pick up a vehicle, Schleining allegedly strangled the victim.

It's unclear what, if anything, triggered Schleining's alleged actions.

"She said they went to Spokane and returned without any problems or arguments," McLean said. "He didn't deny doing it, but he tried to minimize it."

McLean called Schleining's bond "fitting" because of the alleged crime and the suspect's history.

He has an extensive criminal history in Spokane and earlier spent time in jail in Boise on a charge that he cut another girlfriend's throat during an argument. The victim survived.