A Chattanooga man was charged with attempted criminal homicide after threatening to kill his girlfriend with a knife.
According to police, the victim and her friend were walking home on Saturday when Clay Patrick Autry, 35, approached the pair and began to fight with the friend. The victim broke up the fight, but then Autry “turned on her” and began to attack the victim, police said.
Autry began to strike his girlfriend on the face, and positioned himself on top of her before he began to choke the victim. He stuck a knife into her rib cage and allegedly said he would kill her, it was stated.
At some point during the assault, the victim was able to break free from the choke hold and yelled for help. It was at this point police heard her screams and ran to help.
Autry attempted to flee the scene, throwing away a clear bag and cell phone during the chase. After the officer apprehended Autry, he also retrieved Autry’s phone and what turned out to be a methamphetamine-filled bag. While searching Autry, police found a large knife in his jacket, as well as a meth pipe and a set of scales.
The victim was given medical treatment, as she sustained a stab wound, had strangulation marks around her neck, and a bloody nose. The police transported Autry to the Hamilton County Jail, where police began to question Autry.
Autry said he was on top of the victim only so he could help her get up. Autry told police he did not know how the victim sustained her wounds. He also denied discarding the phone or methamphetamine during the chase.
Autry was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, as well as evading arrest.