LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Dona Ana County sheriff’s investigators and Fort Bliss officials have charged a Fort Bliss Soldier in connection with an alleged domestic incident involving him and his girlfriend early Saturday morning in Las Cruces.

On Wednesday afternoon, investigators met with the 20-year-old soldier and a member of his chain of command at Fort Bliss.

The soldier, a private first class, was served a criminal complaint charging him with aggravated battery against a household member.

Officials told KFOX it all began when the victim asked her boyfriend to leave. They said the soldier then grabbed her by the throat and punched her once across the front of her face, causing her to bleed and pass out.

The girlfriend was discovered unconscious, lying on the floor by her two female companions. She was immediately taken to the hospital emergency room, said police.

Investigators said the soldier did not pose a flight risk, and because the victim had moved from the area, a criminal summons, in lieu of an arrest, was issued to the soldier, who agreed to appear at a certain time and date before a Las Cruces Magistrate to answer to the criminal charge.

The soldier was released back to his chain of command. Investigators said military officials were cooperating fully with the investigation.