DeKalb man accused of strangling woman after argument

DeKALB - A DeKalb man with several prior domestic violence convictions is facing charges after police say he strangled a woman after a verbal argument and attempted to resist arrest.

Dontell D. Ollie, 37, of the 300 block of West Roosevelt Street in DeKalb, is charged with aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery and resisting a police officer. If convicted of the most serious crime, aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, Ollie could face up to seven years in jail or 14 on an extended sentence, and fines up to $25,000.

According to DeKalb County court records, Ollie was arrested by DeKalb police June 11 for an incident which allegedly occurred on June 8 around 11:30 p.m. in an apartment in the 1000 block of Ridge Drive. Officers responded to reports of a domestic dispute, and when they arrived, a woman reportedly told them that Ollie allegedly struck her after an argument, and then strangled her with both hands around her neck, inhibiting her ability to breathe. The woman told police Ollie then fled.

When police located Ollie back at the apartment later, he allegedly resisted arrest by tensing his arms, pulling away from officers and refusing verbal commands, according to police reports.

Ollie has a 2017 felony domestic battery conviction in DeKalb County, according to records, along with a 2016 felony domestic battery conviction and a conviction for violating an order of protection. He also has convictions in Illinois for the use or possession of weapons. He was sentenced to two years in Illinois state prison for the offenses, said DeKalb County Circuit Court Judge Marcy Buick during a virtual bond hearing June 11.

“I do note that Mr. Ollie has extensive criminal history,” Buick said prior to her bond ruling. “This is a case where monetary bail at this point is the appropriate thing to do.”

Buick set Ollie’s bond at $50,000. In order to get out of jail, he would have to post $5,000, and would be ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. State prosecutors had asked for bond to be set at $30,000 due to Ollie’s criminal history, said DeKalb County Assistant State’s Attorney Alicia Caplan.

In response to his bond ruling, Ollie shook his head and asked Buick how the court could “lock me up just because I’ve got a background.”

Ollie is next set to appear for a status hearing July 2 at 1:30 p.m. and will be represented by public defender Robert Nolan.