Man gets 10 years for choking family member at Geneva hospital

A west suburban man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attacking and choking a family member at a Geneva hospital last year.

Justin B. Patzer, 32, was convicted on May 12 of felony counts of armed violence and aggravated domestic battery, and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and aggravated assault, according to the Kane County state’s attorney’s office.

On Jan. 27, 2015, family members were visiting a sick relative who was in intensive care at Delnor Hospital in Geneva when Patzer arrived and attacked the victim, prosecutors said

Patzer was angry about an argument the two had on social media, prosecutors said. He grabbed the man by the throat and impeded his breathing until the two were separated by another relative. Patzer brandished a folding knife, made threats and ran out of the hospital.

Judge Donald M. Tegeler Jr. sentenced Patzer to 10 years in prison Friday, according to the statement. He will receive credit for 529 days served in the Kane County jail, where he has been held since his arrest.