A 42-year-old arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend twice pleaded not guilty Thursday in Mower County Court.

David Keith Flugum, of Austin, pleaded not guilty to domestic assault and domestic assault by strangulation, both felonies. He also faces a gross misdemeanor charge for obstructing the legal process, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The victim said Flugum assaulted her over two to three days, starting on April 11 when she went to a friend’s house and said she was going to spend the night there, according to the court complaint. The woman said Flugum strangled her and said, “If I can’t have you, no one can!” The person at the house reportedly yelled at Flugum to stop before he eventually left. Police arrested Flugum on April 13 after the same victim reported another assault. She stated Flugum grabbed her hair and slammed her head into a headboard after she mentioned she was going to spend the night at her friend’s house.

Police said Flugum resisted arrest and said, “No, because I don’t need to be arrested. I have a cat I need to take care of.”

An officer said Flugum tried to get away from his hold and then clenched his fists as if going to fight. Officers shocked Flugum with a Taser and apprehended him.

Flugum’s next court date is set for July 12.