Angry Neighbor Chokes, Drags Man In Downers Grove: Police

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A Downers Grove man was charged with battery after he allegedly choked his neighbor to the ground and nearly made him pass out. Police say the altercation took place Tuesday night in the 5400 block of Florence Ave.

The victim's wife told police that she walked her dog down the street around 9:20 p.m. and returned to find her neighbor, Karsten Holland, 58, on top of her husband and choking him. The victim told police that Holland attacked him after accusing him of spraying acid onto his property.

When police interviewed Holland, he told them he had "ongoing problems with his neighbor spraying fumes in his house." Holland said he has not witnessed his neighbor spraying fumes, but that he has smelled them, according to a police report. Holland reportedly told police that the neighbor had attacked him.

During an investigation, police say man Holland allegedly choked had neck injuries and bloodshot eyes that were consistent with having been strangled. Holland reportedly had red marks on his knees, scratches on his legs, and no other apparent injuries.

Holland was taken into custody, charged with battery, and released on bond.

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