Tarpon Police: Man Punched, Strangled Girlfriend

Tarpon Springs Police have arrested a man after he allegedly punched his girlfriend several times and then proceeded to strangle her with his hands to the point she lost consciousness. 

Police say the victim fell forward after passing out and hit her head on the pavement, causing a large laceration.

The incident occurred around 11:48 p.m. on Feb. 22.  

After arriving on the scene, police say they saw the suspect, 42-year-old Earnest Hardy, trying to hide a plastic bag in the pockets of his shorts. At that point, Hardy allegedly tired to flee into a bedroom, ignoring police commands to stop. 

According to police, Hardy then attempted to throw the bag as officers were arresting him. Police recovered the bag and found oxycodone and cocaine. 

The arrest affidavit said Hardy "spontaneously utter that he '(messed) up' after his arrest."

Police have charged Hardy with domestic battery by strangulation, possession of oxycodone, possession of cocaine, resisting an officer without violence and driving while license suspended. 

Hardy was previously arrested on Jan. 5 on charges of possession of cocaine and resisting arrest without violence. 

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