COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 26-year-old Columbus man is in custody at a Franklin County corrections facility on a felony strangulation charge tied to a domestic violence incident, according to official records from the Columbus Division of Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Dashawn Harding also faces a misdemeanor charge involving the alleged torture of a companion animal from a separate case.
According to Columbus Division of Police Case Report 260611330, officers responded on the evening of Aug. 16, 2026, to a report of domestic violence and possible strangulation at 2371 Clybourne Rd. Apt. B in Columbus. The victim told officers that Harding had engaged in a verbal argument, began destroying items inside the residence, tried to take her phone, struck her in the lip (causing a small wound), and choked her, leaving bruising on her neck.
A witness who had been on the phone with the victim arrived at the scene and agreed to provide a statement based on what she heard. While officers were present, Harding returned to the address and was arrested. He was charged with strangulation involving substantial risk of serious physical harm, classified as a domestic violence offense under Ohio Revised Code 2903.18(B)(2). The victim declined evaluation by medics and was noted as having sustained minor injury with no treatment. The report also states that Harding had been punching walls and made himself bleed.
Harding, date of birth Jan. 16, 2000, is listed in Franklin County Sheriff’s Office records as a Black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. His inmate number is 0404514 and booking number is 20260817014. He is assigned to the James A. Karnes Corrections Center with a security level of VFEL. Bond has not been set on the strangulation charge (case 26CRA13936). A next court date is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2026, in Franklin County Municipal Court.
In addition, sheriff’s records show Harding faces a misdemeanor charge of prohibitions concerning companion animals under Ohio Revised Code 959.131(B), specifically listed as involving torture, in case 23ERB72949. The date of arrest associated with this charge is Aug. 19, 2026. Bond has not been set. Court documents list an arraignment change for Aug. 20, 2026, at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 4D, Franklin County Municipal Court (Columbus jurisdiction), with attorney Scranton. An address associated with Harding in those records is 608 Racine Ave., Columbus.
Ohio Revised Code 2903.18 defines strangulation or suffocation as any act that impedes normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or by covering the nose and mouth. A violation of division (B)(2) that creates a substantial risk of serious physical harm is a third-degree felony. Ohio Revised Code 959.131(B) prohibits knowingly torturing, tormenting, or committing an act of cruelty against a companion animal; a first offense is generally a first-degree misdemeanor.
No additional details regarding the circumstances of the companion animal charge appear in the reviewed public records. Harding remains in custody according to the most recent available sheriff’s office information. All individuals named in connection with these matters are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article is based exclusively on public records from the Columbus Division of Police preliminary investigation report and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office inmate information, along with related Franklin County Municipal Court appearance details. Ohio’s public records laws generally make such arrest and charging information accessible.
