A 32-year-old Oceano man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly attempting to murder a domestic partner.

The assault occurred Monday in the 300 block of North Highway 1 in Grover Beach when Kelly Lee Freer assaulted a female companion with a deadly weapon in an attempt to murder her while threatening to do so, said Lt. John Peters of the Grover Beach Police Department.

Freer held the victim against her will and strangled her until she lost consciousness. She regained consciousness and Freer suffocated her until she was able to break free and flee, Peters said.

The suspect left the area but was tracked down by police and arrested in Oceano in the early morning hours Wednesday. He is suspected of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

He was booked into County Jail under a $500,000 bond.