JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A man accused of assaulting and nearly killing his wife and leaving the country for a planned vacation in the days after the incident was arrested Sunday after returning later than scheduled, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO).
Last month, a woman reported to JCSO that her husband, Nathan Gustafson, 44, assaulted her and strangled her at their Conifer home on April 19.
She was seriously hurt, and JCSO said the strangulation "almost resulted in death."
Immediately after the incident was reported, Gustafson left the country for a planned vacation before a warrant was issued for his arrest, the sheriff's office said.
He did not return when he was originally scheduled, according to authorities.
JCSO said that Gustafson eventually contacted them and the 1st Judicial District Attorney's Office to arrange for his pickup at the airport, where he was taken into custody on Sunday.
Gustafson was arrested on suspicion of the following charges:
- Second-degree attempted murder
- Two counts of first-degree assault
- Second-degree assault
- Third-degree assault
- Harassment
- Criminal mischief ($1,000 to $5,000)
- Obstruction of telephone
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship you can get help through local law enforcement, and if you live in Jefferson County you can get helpful resources from PorchLight, A Family Justice Center.
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