On Thursday, November 2, Missoula police were called to a disturbance at an apartment on Great Northern Avenue. Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh says officers encountered an individual involved in a car outside.

"He was identified as a 35-year-old male who did have minor injuries and was pretty emotional in describing an incident with his male partner that had occurred inside their apartment, located on the property," Welsh said. "He claimed that the other male had  physically assaulted him, including an accusation of strangulation."

The man gave police access to the apartment, but the suspect, 38-year-old Zachary Hoke refused to come out and made attempts to barricade himself in the bathroom.

"The officers soon developed some concern, not only for Mr. Hoke's safety, but also to what he may have been doing in the bathroom, they were able to crack the door enough to see that he was standing in the shower with an electric cord around his neck," Welsh said. "At that point, they feared for his safety, and forced entry all the way into the bathroom."

The incident was Mr. Hoke's fist partner or Family Member Assault charge, however, because strangulation is thought to be involved he was cited with a felony.

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