FERNDALE - A man suspected of punching and choking a woman was booked into Whatcom County Jail Wednesday night, June 27.

Cannon Aquilla Shockey, 40, was booked on suspicion of domestic violence assault against a 46-year-old woman. The assault happened June 19 at an apartment in the 2000 block of Main Street.

Shockey punched the woman in the head, choked her, sat on her chest and covered her mouth and nose with his hand to cut off her breathing, said Ferndale Police Lt. Bill Hatchett.

The woman was able to kick the screen out of a window, and someone driving by witnessed the assault and contacted police.

Shockey had run away by the time officers arrived.

The victim, who had bruised arms and red marks on her chest and neck, was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released, Hatchett said.

Shockey has a history of domestic violence charges involving another woman.