Carson man arrested in attempted murder

A 24-year-old Carson City man was arrested early Sunday after he allegedly tried to strangle his roommat. Bail was set at $75,000.

According to a police report, David Barber and the victim were drinking at a local bar before returning home sometime before 3 a.m. Sunday.

When they arrived at their Roop Street home, Barber started hitting the victim in the face several times without provocation, police reported.

When she tried to leave, he barricaded the door. When she tried to call 911, he picked up the cell phone, dialed the number and hung up. Then he knocked her down, got on top of her and started strangling her, according to the report.

The victim passed out and when she woke up, Barber was on the phone telling "someone" she might be dead, the report said.

Deputy Rick Encinas of the Carson City Sheriff's Department said she was badly beaten. She had fresh marks on the front and sides of her neck and both eyes were bloodshot at the corners, which is consistent with strangulation.

The evidence, including the clothing worn during the scuffle, was seized and photographed. According to Steve Schuette, chief deputy at the Carson City Sheriff's Office, an investigating officer has not yet been assigned to the case.

The victim refused medical treatment several times.

An ex-felon, Barber admitted to drinking and registered .091 on a breath test. His probation conditions include a no-alcohol clause.

In addition to the second-degree murder charges, he is being held for investigation of domestic battery with substantial bodily harm, false imprisonment and a probation violation.