COEUR d’ALENE — A Post Falls man accused of beating and choking a woman is in jail after he reportedly failed to appear in court.

Daniel P. Winter, 43, of Post Falls is charged with attempted strangulation and domestic battery with traumatic injury, both felonies. 

The charges stem from August, when police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at Winter’s residence. 

A woman who lived in the home told police she and Winter were arguing when he punched her in the chest. She said she locked herself in a bedroom to get away from Winter, according to court records, but he allegedly broke the door down. 

The woman said Winter wrapped both hands around her neck and pinned her against a wall, choking her hard enough that she was unable to breathe and her vision turned fuzzy. 

She said Winter subsequently hit her in the head with either his fist or a cellphone that was in his hand, causing her to lose consciousness for a short time. 

Police said blood from a head wound had coated the woman’s face, neck and chest, according to court records, and fresh, “finger shaped” bruises were visible on both sides of her neck. Bruises were also forming on her chest, police said. 

The woman was transported to Kootenai Health for treatment. 

When interviewed by police, Winter denied injuring the woman. He said she had thrown plates during an argument, one of which hit him in the knee and cut him. 

Police arrested Winter at the scene. He posted $50,000 bail the next day. 

Winter failed to appear in court Sept. 6 for a preliminary hearing status conference, according to court records. For that reason, a judge issued a $100,000 warrant for his arrest, which was returned Saturday, when police arrested Winter again. 

He remained in jail Monday, with bail set at $50,000. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, call Safe Passage Violence Prevention Center’s 24-hour helpline at 208-664-9303 or text 208-449-7228.