Yonkers man charged, accused of viciously attacking, strangling his girlfriend
Otoniel Morel Tejeda, 37, is accused of carrying out the violent spree in the early morning hours of Feb. 21, inside the Yonkers home he shared with the victim.
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A Yonkers man was arraigned on a 12-count indictment for allegedly strangling and attacking his girlfriend, says Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace.
Otoniel Morel Tejeda, 37, is accused of carrying out the violent spree in the early morning hours of Feb. 21, inside the Yonkers home he shared with the victim.
Prosecutors say Tejeda allegedly pushed his girlfriend into a wall, threatened her life and destroyed her cellphone while she tried to call police.
According to court documents, he then used his shirt to strangle her until she was unconscious and continued his attack when she came to.
At one point, prosecutors allege Tejeda bit the woman's face, held her at knifepoint and sliced her nose, all while strangling her - again.
According to the DA's office, the victim pepper-sprayed Tejeda and was then able to escape and call police.
Officers from the Yonkers Police Department arrived on scene and took Tejeda into custody.
Prosecutors say paramedics rushed the woman to a hospital, where she is expected to recover physically.
The court issued a temporary order of protection against Tejeda after the attack, which he allegedly violated multiple times by sending the victim threatening calls and texts the following month.
Officers arrested Tejeda a second time on April 6.
He now faces a slew of charges including two counts of strangulation, two counts of criminal contempt, three counts of assault, criminal possession or a weapon, criminal mischief and menacing.
