Garrett Michael St. Claire, 25, Minot, is accused of punching and strangling his girlfrend during a domestic violence altercation on Friday at Minot residence.

He is charged in district court in Minot with Class C felony domestic violence resulting in serious bodily injury. St. Claire is also charged with a second offense of possession of methamphetamine, also a Class C felony.

He made an initial appearance on Monday before Judge Gary Lee, who set bond at $2,500 cash/corporate surety and ordered St. Claire to have no contact with the alleged victim. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for March 5.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed with the court, tthe woman had visible physical injuries, including marks on her neck and between her shoulder blades and a large bump on her forehead after the altercation.

Police located St. Claire and placed him under arrest. He had two small plastic bags with suspected meth in his pocket when they searched him.