By Joe Bachman

A 21-year-old man faces charges of strangulation and disorderly conduct after police say he choked a man in an altercation during a haircut.

Alex Kobza, of Wisconsin Rapids, is charged with strangulation and suffocation, as well as disorderly conduct.

According to police reports, on Apr. 7, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Oak St. regarding a domestic disturbance. The officer spoke to the complainant who stated that he was getting his haircut by a friend with others at the residence when Kobza, who had been hanging out with the group, became “mean and cocky”. The complainant asked Kobza to leave the residence due to his attitude.

Kobza then allegedly grabbed the complainant by the neck with both hands and started choking him. The complainant passed out and Kobza allegedly continued his attack, punching and kicking him in the head and chest.

According to a witness at the residence, the argument stemmed over “some food”. The witness also stated that Kozba had been drinking and smoking pot prior to the attack. Two other witnesses told the officer the same in regards to what happened. Kobza allegedly admitted that he grabbed the complainant by the throat and threw him to the floor.

If convicted, Kobza faces up to six years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for May 13.