WEST UNION — A Doddridge County man was arrested last weekend and charged with sexual assault and strangulation after an incident with his wife.

Last month, the victim filed a domestic violence petition order against George D. McElroy, 48, according to a criminal complaint filed with the Doddridge County magistrate court.

The incident happened June 3 when she contacted law enforcement saying McElroy broke into her bedroom while she was sleeping, according to the complaint.

When she exited the room, McElroy pushed her on the floor and began choking her, the complaint said.

After she pulled him off her, McElroy allegedly sexually assaulted her, the complaint said.

Afterward, McElroy said he was going to slit the victim’s throat and leave her daughter without parents, the complaint said.

She then went to the neighbor’s house where she called law enforcement after McElroy took her phone and left the scene, according to the complaint.

An officer observed red marks on the victims neck and shoulder and a laceration on her finger. They also noticed the front window of the residence had plastic that was ripped and the victim said was likely how McElroy broke into the home.

According to Deputy J.D. Snyder from the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department, McElroy was first arrested for sexual assault and then was released on bond.

A few days later, he was arrested again on the strangulation charges after a follow up with the victim showed the bruising and that her voice was hoarse due to the incident.

McElroy was taken to North Central Regional Jail and was released on bond, Snyder said.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.