An Albert Lea man who allegedly strangled a woman he knew earlier this month pleaded not guilty Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Dakota Garrett Edwards, 19, is charged with felony domestic assault by strangulation, gross misdemeanor 911 interference and misdemeanor domestic assault. 

Court documents state Edwards was charged after officers were dispatched Feb. 2 to an Albert Lea address regarding a domestic assault.

After officers arrived, the alleged victim said Edwards assaulted her and broke items in the house.

Edwards allegedly grabbed the woman by her neck and squeezed, causing red marks, and threatened to kill her.

Court documents state Edwards admitted getting into an argument with the alleged victim but denied touching her. He admitted taking her cellphone when he learned she planned to call law enforcement, damaging the house and yelling at the woman.

A settlement conference is scheduled April 5, and a jury trial is scheduled May 15, if the case has not been settled by then.