Joliet Heroin User Attacks Woman, Chokes Her In House: Police

JOLIET, IL — A 47-year-old Joliet man who uses heroin was arrested Thursday night after Joliet police say he attacked and choked a woman who confronted him about his drug use, Joliet police reports show. Matthew Dirst was booked into the Will County Jail at 12:18 a.m. Friday where he has been charged with aggravated domestic battery, possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, police records show.

Joliet police cars rolled up to the domestic violence call made from Dirst's house in the 1000 block of Highland Avenue around 10 p.m.

"Further investigation indicated that an argument ensued over Dirst using drugs at which time he struck the victim on the side of the head," Joliet police reports show. "Dirst pushed the victim onto a bed and began to choke her while on top of her, cutting off the victim’s air supply."

When Dirst released his grip on the woman's neck, she got away and called 911, Joliet police said. Dirst was not disruptive at the time of his arrest, reports show.

"Upon the search of Dirst, Officers recovered a syringe and a clear plastic baggy containing suspected heroin," Joliet police said.