GAINESVILLE - Gator defensive back Jacques Rickerson was arrested by Gainesville Police Department officers early this morning after they say he strangled his girlfriend at her apartment on Southwest 27th Street. 

GPD says Rickerson was at the apartment of his girlfriend when he became upset after she asked him leave. According to the police report, Rickerson's girlfriend told police he hit her on the side of her face and choked her with one hand.  When she tried to scream for help, Rickerson pushed her neck further into the mattress of her bed and put a pillow over her face. 

According to the report, she told officers that after Rickerson let go of her, she tried to leave the bedroom several times, but Rickerson blocked her way.  Rickerson allegedly took his girlfriend's cell phone when she said she was going to call police.  Reports say she had visible injuries on her arm, neck and upper chest from the attack.  Rickerson is now facing charges of domestic battery by strangulation and preventing communication to law enforcement. 

According to the report, Rickerson and the victim have been dating for over a year, but live in separate apartments.