Vancouver man, 27, accused of attacking caregiver

Court records say a 27-year-old Vancouver man with a violent criminal history stands accused of strangling his caregiver, who was able to escape his grip and call 911.

Jonathan P. Higgins has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault. Clark County Superior Court Judge Bernard Veljacic set Higgins’ bail at $50,000 during an initial appearance hearing on Friday.

Vancouver police were dispatched on Monday for the report of an assault at an unspecified address. The alleged victim, Savannah D. Chick, told an officer that she is the caregiver for Higgins, who is supervised through Aacres Washington, a living service for people with developmental disabilities, according to a probable cause affidavit.

“(Higgins) has a violent criminal history and has assaulted staff members before,” the affidavit says.

On Monday, Higgins asked the caregiver to go on a walk, and when the two reached a secluded wooded area, he began strangling the woman, according to the affidavit.

Higgins pushed Chick to the ground, climbed on top of her and placed his hands around her neck once more, according to the affidavit.

Chick “had to ‘wiggle’ her way out from under him to escape,” the affidavit says.

She called 911. Her manager told police that Chick had leaves and other debris in her hair and clothing when they met at a local business.

Chick said she never lost consciousness during the alleged attack, but she could not breathe, according to the affidavit.

Higgins’ arraignment hearing is set for Aug. 10.