Man Choked, Kicked Woman: Cops

EAST HAMPTON, NY — An East Hampton man was arrested after he allegedly punched and choked a woman and then damaged her cell phone, police said.

According to East Hampton Town Police, Matthew Hugo Morales, 28, was arrested on Saturday at 12:30 a.m. in East Hampton after he struck a woman "numerous times" with an open hand on her face, causing substantial pain and swelling to her left eye and nose.

He also kicked her numerous times, causing pain to her left thigh and back area; in addition, he grabbed her neck, causing redness and scratches, all requiring medical attention, police said. Morales also grabbed her neck, pushed upward and applied pressure, causing her to have pain and difficulty breathing and noticeable redness and superficial scratches to her neck, police said.

Morales was charged with third degree assault, intent to cause physical injury, a misdemeanor, police said. He was also charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, applying pressure, a misdemeanor, police said.

Morales was also charged with third degree criminal mischief, damaging another person's property in an amount greater than $250, a felony, after he intentionally damaged her iPhone 7 in the amount of $750, police said.

Cash bail was set at $2,500, police said.

Patch file photo.