Police arrested a 28-year-old Kalihi man after he allegedly attempted to strangle a 40-year-old woman in Kailua.

At about 3:10 p.m. Saturday, the suspect and the victim were involved in a verbal argument. It escalated when the suspect tried to strangle the woman, restricting her airway and causing pain.

Police responded and officers found illegal drugs in the suspect’s possession.

The man was arrested on suspicion of abuse and third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.

The investigation is ongoing.