He evaded police for a year, but now a Harlingen man accused of choking his wife is sitting behind bars.
Harlingen police say they had been searching for 23 year old Efrain Eduardo Ortega since August 24, 2011 on felony assault charges.
According to investigators Ortega and the 25 year old victim were at their apartment on the 800 block of N. 26th street when the two started arguing.
The dispute escalated to the point where police say Ortega grabbed the victim and pushed her against a wall, causing her to bump her head.
Ortega then allegedly grabbed the woman by her throat, to where she could hardly breathe.
Another family member inside the apartment witnessed the fight and called police.
According to the report Ortega fled before officers could arrive.
With the help of the US Marshal’s office Ortega was found Monday morning at a home off the 100 block of W. Matz Street.
He is currently being held on a $20,000.00 bond.