New York state senator turns self in for allegedly assaulting estranged wife

A New York state Democratic senator has turned himself in to police for allegedly choking his estranged wife during a weekend fight, according to a news report.

Sen. Luis Sepúlveda met with New York Police Department officials on Tuesday, police sources told The New York Post.

Sepúlveda and estranged wife Elizabeth, 40, filed separate reports accusing each other of assault during a domestic dispute on Saturday.

Sepúlveda, who represents the city’s Bronx borough, was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, the sources told the newspaper.

The 56-year-old lawmaker allegedly strangled his wife after she punched him during an argument inside their apartment. The sources also said the injuries were minor and officers saw no bruising on either spouse.

Sepúlveda’s relationship with his wife has been strained in the past, and she had previously sought an order of protection against him – which was later withdrawn, according to the Gotham Gazette.

The lawmaker is chairman of the state Senate’s Crime Victims, Crime & Correction Committee.