Libby man charged with strangulation in domestic assault case

A 26-year-old Libby man has been charged with strangulation of a partner or family member after an alleged domestic assault on Oct. 20.

Immanuel Shammar Brown was arrested after Libby police officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute on the 500 block of Utah Avenue, according to police reports. Brown was arraigned Nov. 3 on the charge and pleaded not guilty.

When officers arrived at the residence, Brown answered the door. Another man at the home told police that Brown and his girlfriend had been arguing and that she was in the basement.

According to court documents, officers found the woman downstairs, holding her 4-year-old son. Police reported she was crying, visibly distressed and told them Brown had grabbed her by the throat, pushed her to the ground and strangled her.

According to the report, officers observed bruising on her neck and right arm, and noted that her eyes appeared bloodshot, consistent with her account of being choked.

Brown was taken into custody at the scene. He remains charged with strangulation of a partner or family member, first offense, a felony under Montana law.

Brown faces up to five years in jail and $50,000 in fines if convicted. His bail was set at $50,000 during an Oct. 29 preliminary hearing.