Man, 28, Suspected of Putting Ex-Girlfriend in Chokehold

Cliff Allan Conti, 28, was arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly putting his former live-in girlfriend in a chokehold in the 26000 block of Paseo Santa Clara.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Conti was arguing with the 23-year-old woman, demanding cash and her cell phone—which she refused to give to him. Authorities say Conti then grabbed the woman and placed her in a rear chokehold, pushed her into a wall and as she was trying to call for help via her cell phone, took her phone from her.

Police say the couple continued to struggle until the woman was able to get her phone. Conti fled, police say, but deputies found him near his residence and arrested him.