Cheyenne Man Hit With 3 Felonies After Alleged Meth-Fueled Attack

A 41-year-old Cheyenne man is facing three felony charges following an alleged meth-fueled attack in which he strangled and hit a household member.

According to a booking sheet, police were dispatched in reference to a prior physical domestic at 11:22 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15.

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Man Accused of Strangling, Hitting Household Member While High on Meth

Police say the victim told them that she and James Joseph Wertz were at their residence around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 when Wertz, who appeared to be high on methamphetamine, got angry that the refrigerator was making too much noise and threw it across the room, causing all of the contents to fall out.

Wertz then reportedly chased her into the living room.

Police say the victim told them that she was sitting on a chair when Wertz began strangling her with both hands.

She said that it lasted for at least one minute, that she couldn't breathe, that she thought she was going to pass out, and that she began to see black and purple as well as stars.

She said Wertz was continuously hitting her with the palm of his hand and that he also pulled her hair, leaving a large bump on the back of her head.

Police say they observed multiple bruises on the victim's neck and chest as well as a bruise on her left forearm, and that the bruises matched pictures from the day after the incident.

Wertz Caught With Meth

Police then went to speak with Wertz, and when they handcuffed and searched him, they reportedly found a baggie containing 12.25 grams of methamphetamine.

Wertz was Mirandized and asked to explain what happened on Feb. 9 and reportedly told police that the victim also got "physical" but wouldn't explain how and said he didn't want to answer any more questions.

Wertz was arrested and taken to the Laramie County Detention Center without further incident.

Wertz Charged With 3 Felonies

Wertz was subsequently charged with three felonies, including strangulation of a household member, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance - third or subsequent offense.

Wertz Served With Warrant

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, inmate Wertz was served with a misdemeanor warrant out of Laramie County Circuit Court signed by Judge Sean C. Chambers for probation violation with the original charge being reckless endangering.

Total Bond Set at $6K Cash

Wertz was seen in Circuit Court on Wednesday, Feb. 19, during which his total bond was set at $6,000 cash -- $5,000 cash in his felony case and $1,000 cash in his misdemeanor case -- and his preliminary and probation revocation hearings were scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m.

Please remember that all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.