HOUSTON - A Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy is accused of attacking his girlfriend while she slept in bed.

Frank Augustine Jr. is charged with assault of a family member.

Investigators with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Domestic Violence Unit responded to a family disturbance call at Augustine's home on March 29. He lived with his girlfriend and the woman said he physically attacked her.

The girlfriend said Augustine struck her in the head with a motorcycle helmet while she slept in bed. During the assault, he allegedly strangled her to the point where she could not breathe, causing pain and injuries.

"We never know the real reasons why people get that far especially with a spouse or girlfriend, but it did get to that point where he assaulted her with a helmet, and not only that, he wasn't finished, he went ahead and tried to complete the job by strangling her," said Asst. Chief Tim Cannon, with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office.

Augustine, 52, was arrested and taken into custody without incident. An emergency protection order was granted for the girlfriend.

Augustine was released on a $5,000 bond. He's due back in court on May 4.

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