ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Winnebago County Deputies arrested Zachary Payton, 24, for allegedly trying to strangle a man to death.
Officers were called to the 6700 block of Country Lane for a domestic violence report on July 23, around 5 p.m. A caller told a dispatcher that Payton was acting crazy.
The suspect fled to a residence on Clover Crest Lane, where authorities took him into custody after a struggle. Payton told deputies he saw the man watching a horror movie, which triggered him.
The victim told officials that Payton entered his home and asked him, “What color do you want your death certificate signed in?”
Zachary payton. Photo: winnebago county jail
The suspect proceeded to walk outside, grab sticks from around the yard and poke the victim’s belongings with them, according to court records. He also grabbed the victim’s phone and threw it before he left the house, deputies reported.
Payton returned to the residence around 6 p.m. and forced his way in by kicking the door down, the victim said.
The suspect charged at the man and strangled him, court documents show.
The victim had visible injuries, deputies reported.
Payton is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery of an officer, domestic battery that caused bodily harm, aggravated battery that caused strangulation, home invasion that caused injury, criminal trespassing of a residence and two counts of resisting an officer.
If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources.
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