DARLINGTON — A Benton man has been arrested in Illinois on a felony warrant alleging he strangled and attempted to kidnap an as yet unidentified victim.

Authorities arrested Todd Anthony Knautz Sunday in Jo Daviess County, Illinois and charged him with multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to the matter.

The arrest stemmed from an Oct. 12 incident in Benton, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. That’s where police were dispatched — just before 5:30 p.m. — to investigate reports of a domestic disturbance. 

“Investigation into the case took place that evening and the next day on the allegations alleged,” said Lafayette County Undersheriff Troy J. Loeffelholz. “Case reports were completed and forwarded to the Lafayette County District Attorney for review.”

Once the matter was reviewed, a warrant was issued on October 13, 2022, he said Knautz was charged with strangulation, battery, felony false imprisonment, disorderly conduct and felony intimidation of a victim. 

He was being held in Lafayette County Jail in advance of a court date scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, in Lafayette County Circuit Court.

Loeffelholz declined to name the victim or to describe the nature of the victim’s relationship with the defendant. False imprisonment and intimidation are Class H felonies in Wisconsin punishable by up to six years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Police are continuing to investigate the case.