BELLINGHAM, WA. – Bellingham Police say a man should face an attempted murder charge for almost killing his girlfriend.

Officers responded to a home on East Illinois Street on Tuesday night, October 10th, on reports that a man had assaulted his girlfriend and wanted to harm himself.

They contacted Charles A. Quintanilla, who admitted that he had put his hands around his girlfriend’s throat and squeezed tightly.

He told officers at the scene that he had wanted to kill the woman but stopped after he saw her begin to lose consciousness.

Medics checked her condition and officers booked Quintanilla into jail on suspicion of attempted murder and assault charges.

Bellingham Police Lt. Claudia Murphy says October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reminds everyone that there are resources for those experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault.

Lummi Victims of Crime – 360.312.2015

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services – 360.715.1563

WWU CASAS – 360.650.3700

Brigid Collins Family Support Center – 360.734.4616