Man suspected of choking child at Petaluma park

The man wrapped a canvas strap around the juvenile's neck from behind, police said.|
NICK RAHAIM
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Petaluma police arrested a 49-year-old man for allegedly sneaking up behind a juvenile and wrapping a canvas strap around the victim's neck at Walnut Park Tuesday evening.

Police do not know why Eric Wayne Conroy, of Petaluma, approached two juveniles sitting next to a gazebo at the park on D Street and Petaluma Boulevard at 5:45 p.m.

Conroy allegedly put a strap around the victim's neck and pulled back tightly, police said. The young victim was able to escape with the help of a friend.

Conroy was brought to Sonoma County Jail and booked for felony assault with a deadly weapon and felony child abuse.

The victim did not lose consciousness and was released to a guardian, police said.

You can reach Staff Writer Nick Rahaim at 707-521-5203 or nick.rahaim@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @nrahaim.

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