Gilberto Tomas Perez, 31 of Cedartown man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he strangled his girlfriend, threatened to kill her, and fled into nearby woods before being located by a police K-9. According to the Cedartown Police Department, officers responded to a reported assault at a home on Jackson Street. When they arrived, officers spoke with the victim using a language translation app because of a language barrier.
The woman told officers that Perez grabbed her by the neck and choked her until she was unable to breathe. She said she fought back by scratching Perez, preventing herself from losing consciousness.
The victim told police Perez then grabbed her arm, began throwing punches, and threatened to kill her. She called 911 on speakerphone, and Perez allegedly fled through the back door after hearing the dispatcher on the line.
Police said the couple’s young daughter was inside the home during the incident.
According to the report, the victim told officers Perez had been drinking beer throughout the morning and had accused her of being involved with another man.
Investigators documented several visible injuries, including bruising on the woman’s neck and arm, broken blood vessels in her eyes, bruising on her thigh, and a torn shirt.
Cedartown Police Sgt. Zuker and his K-9, along with deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, searched the wooded area behind the residence. The K-9 tracked Perez to his location, where deputies took him into custody after he allegedly failed to comply with commands to place his hands behind his back.
Perez was transported toward the Polk County Jail but was first taken to a local hospital after complaining of shoulder pain. An officer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office remained with him at the hospital.
Perez has been charged with aggravated assault by strangulation under the Family Violence Act, battery under the Family Violence Act, and third-degree cruelty to children.
