Brookings man arrested, charged with choking his sister

A Brookings man is arrested after allegedly choking his sister into unconsciousness.

Police Lt. Marci Gebers says two officers on foot patrol in the downtown were alerted to a fight near Main Avenue and 3rd Street shortly after two o’clock Sunday morning. The officers found a female unconscious on the sidewalk.While they were attempting to aid the woman, a man helped her up and tried to walk off.

The man was stopped and police learned that he had strangled the woman. Placed under arrest was 43-year-old James Basham. He’s charged with aggravated assault domestic, threatening a law enforcement officer and obstruction. The victim refused medical treatment.

During the same incident, 40-year-old Shasta Basham was arrested for simple assault on a law enforcement officer after she struck and kicked an officer. Gebers says the officer was checked and treated at the ER for minor injuries.

She says alcohol was a factor.

July 1, 2021