Sandpoint man charged in domestic violence case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man has been accused of attempting to strangle a woman in an alleged domestic violence incident. 

Samuel James Mitchell is accused of attempted strangulation and domestic battery in the presence of a child. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Wednesday, March 5. 

Mitchell, 35, was charged Feb. 20 after police arrived at the scene following a 911 call from the alleged victim. According to court documents, when law enforcement arrived at the scene, the victim was found with red marks around her neck and holding a crying 14-month-old.  

The victim told law enforcement of a verbal altercation that occurred with Mitchell. According to court documents, the argument led to the alleged strangulation attempt in the victim’s bedroom.  

The victim told law enforcement that her child’s crying was a probable result of witnessing the alleged strangulation, according to a probable cause affidavit. The minor was present in the house during the altercation. 

When questioned by law enforcement, Mitchell claimed he acted in self-defense after the victim allegedly lunged at him, according to court documents.   

In a probable cause affidavit, Mitchell told law enforcement that he held the victim down but never meant to hurt her. 

Mitchell is currently at Bonner County Jail on a $50,000 bond. It is unclear how much time he could face in jail if convicted of the alleged crimes.