A Fulton County man has been charged with assaulting a woman and unlawfully restricting her movements during multiple incidents at his home.
Daniel Peter Belau, 44, of rural Salem, faces felony charges of first-degree false imprisonment with risk of serious injury and aggravated assault, as well as a misdemeanor charge of third-degree battery, according to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.
Law enforcement documents indicate that the victim had been staying with Belau at his residence when the incidents occurred. The affidavit states that an altercation began when the woman attempted to leave. Belau allegedly prevented her from doing so by putting her in a chokehold and refused to let her go until she nodded in response to his question, "Are you going to behave?"
The situation reportedly escalated further the following day. The victim told authorities that when she tried to leave while Belau was asleep, he woke up, placed her in another chokehold, and tightened his grip until she was unable to breathe. During this confrontation, the victim said she urinated as a result of being unable to breathe. Afterward, when she stood up, Belau allegedly punched her in the nose, causing it to bleed.
The victim managed to leave the residence, according to the affidavit. Belau reportedly followed her to her car but ceased pursuing her when she pressed on the gas pedal.
Belau was taken into custody and later released on a $25,000 bond. No further court dates have yet been announced.
The case remains under investigation.