David Fiero Phillips, 47, Minot, is accused of assaulting a woman repeatedly in front of a 5-year-old girl on Monday evening.

Phillips is charged in district court in Minot with Class C felony aggravated assault – domestic violence.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Phillips smothered the woman with a pillow for up to 30 seconds, strangled her with both hands for 30 to 45 seconds on at least two occasions, pulled her hair, hit her head against a wall, and called her names. After the initial assault, Phillips picked the child up, carried her into a bedroom and told the woman he would take the child away from her. The woman followed him and he physically attacked her a second time with the child watching. At one point he made a verbal threat to kill her.

The woman was able to get away and contact law enforcement. The woman had visible physical injuries and was treated at the Trinity Emergency Room.

Phillips checked into a hotel room after the incident and was later located there and placed under arrest. He had no physical injuries.

In court on Tuesday, Phillips objected to a proposed no contact order with the 5-year-old girl and said he does not think it is fair to keep him away from the child. He does not object to a no contact order with the woman. Ward County State’s Attorney Roza Larson outlined what Phillips was alleged to have done in front of the child and asked for the no contact order for both the woman and child. Larson said the woman asked for a high bond and told the state’s attorney’s office she is afraid of what Phillips might do to her if he gets out.

Judge Stacy Louser set bond at $7,500 cash or corporate surety and ordered Phillips to have no contact with the woman or the 5-year-old girl.

Phillips told the judge he plans to hire his own lawyer.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Aug. 22 before Louser.