Man accused of strangling victim with American flag

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (KCRG) – A Cedar Rapids man is facing multiple charges after police say he strangled a woman with an American flag at a home in North Liberty.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim called 9-1-1 early Monday morning to report that 39-year-old Adam Sotzen had attacked her and that he may have been driving drunk.

The complaint states Sotzen came to his victim's house upset about a previous argument. Sotzen began yelling at his month and began destroying property.

Sotzen is accused of taking an American flag from a nearby house, twisting it into a rope, then placing it around his neck and applying pressure.

During that time, the victim said Sotzen told her several times, “You have to die.” She says she feared for her life because she knew Sotzen could kill her.

The victim's friend intervened and tried to get Sotzen away from the victim. Sotzen began attacking the friend, punching him in the chest and giving him a big lip.

Sotzen drove away from the victim's home and was eventually arrested after initially driving away when an officer attempted to pull him over.

Sotzen is accused of multiple crimes, including assault with intent to cause serious injury, acting under the influence of alcohol and harassment.

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