MARION COUNTY — Bail has been set at $100,000 for a 29-year-old Centralia man charged with felony robbery and battery.

According to police reports, TJ Howard entered a home late Friday night on McKee Street and then went into the bedroom of a female resident, grabbed her by the throat and began choking her while taking $2,500 cash from her purse.

Reports indicate Howard also pushed a 10-year-old girl and took a phone away from her as she tried to call police.

Upon arrival at the scene, police reportedly stopped Howard outside the home, but allowed him to leave after he gave the money he had to another. He was arrested early Saturday morning after police were informed of what had happened inside the home, and he was transported to the Marion County Jail.

Howard was formally charged Monday in Marion County Court with Class 3 felony aggravated battery including strangling and Class 2 felony robbery. He is next scheduled in court February 24 and is prohibited from having contact with the alleged victim.

Police were reportedly able to recover the money from the other man.