Man accused of choking girlfriend
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 4 months AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | December 3, 2020 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A man is in jail after police said he choked his girlfriend.
Ezekiel C. Blalock, 34, is charged with attempted strangulation, a felony.
Police responded around 7 a.m. Sunday to a domestic violence call at a Coeur d’Alene residence.
A woman who identified herself as Blalock’s girlfriend said the pair had argued the night before after she went to his residence.
The woman said Blalock grabbed her from behind when she turned to leave, put his hands around her neck and squeezed hard enough to cut off her breathing. She reportedly said Blalock choked her for about one minute.
Police observed redness on the woman’s neck, according to court documents. She also reportedly showed police text messages she sent Blalock regarding the incident.
When questioned by police, Blalock reportedly said he and the woman had argued after she went to his residence but he did not touch her and the altercation was not physical.
Police arrested Blalock.
Judge Mayli Walsh ordered Monday that Blalock be held on $30,000 bail and issued a no contact order between Blalock and the woman.
MORE LOCAL-NEWS STORIES
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH

Report: Coeur d’Alene crime down
Police data shows 10-year downward trend
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office honors staff
The greatest asset of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is its people.

‘A reset’ for U.S.: Fulcher talks DOGE, tariffs, immigration
U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher said President Trump’s second term marks a “reset” for the country, amid talk of tariffs, economic uncertainty and efforts to root out inefficiencies in government.