SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police arrested a man Wednesday on allegations of injury to the elderly. An arrest affidavit said he attacked a 74-year-old woman until her cat intervened.
Nathaniel Charles Derouen is facing injury to the elderly and assault charges. Court records show his bonds total $35,000.
The affidavit said the victim allowed Derouen to live with her after his home got damaged by fire. Police said the two were in a relationship several years ago.
According to the arrest document, as roommates, the victim would let the 60-year-old man use her vehicle. On the day of the incident, police said the suspect became enraged when the woman refused to lend him her vehicle.
The affidavit said he pushed her onto a bed and started choking her with one hand. Investigators said Derouen covered her mouth and nose with his other hand. According to the affidavit, the victim was unable to breathe.
The woman told police the attack stopped when her cat jumped on Derouen. She told police he has a fear of cats.
Police said the woman could escape, get in her vehicle, and report the crime to SAPD.
Crime Scene Investigators used alternate light source photographs, which show injuries through the skin that revealed injuries consistent with the victim's story.
Police said the suspect has a prior assault conviction, where Derouen got deferred adjudication.
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