A Bigfork man accused of trying to strangle his wife during a recent incident had a bench warrant issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment.

William Brian Dilts. 57, was scheduled to appear in front of District Judge Heidi Ulbright Thursday morning on a felony charge of strangulation of a partner or family member.

At the request of county deputy attorney Andrew Clegg, Ulbright ordered the bench warrant in the amount of $50,000. Dilts was free after posting $25,000 bail.

According to court documents, on April 23, Dilts entered the bedroom of a residence on Jewel Basin Court and allegedly strangled his wife with his hands around her neck while she slept. She said she couldn’t breathe and when he released his hands from her neck, he slapped her across the face.

She alleged it wasn’t the first time Dilts became physical with her.

Officers who spoke with the woman allegedly saw she had a swollen cheek and red marks around her neck and small cuts on her arms. The victim claimed the cuts were from Dilts hitting her with a toothbrush.

When a deputy from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office spoke with Dilts, he allegedly admitted putting his hands around the woman’s neck, but said he was only grabbing her hands and a blanket.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.