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1:07 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Larry's alleged victim is his ex-girlfriend whom he dated for four years.

We're told the incident occurred at the Bellagio hotel. Hotel security called police, and when officers arrived at the scene around 4am, law enforcement sources tell us, they found the alleged victim crying with visible bruises and scratches on her neck. Johnson had small scratches on his face.

The ex-GF told police Larry had choked her to the point of unconsciousness.

Former NFL running back Larry Johnson was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada this morning for domestic violence ... TMZ has learned.

According to Clark County Jail records, Johnson has been accused of strangling someone. It's unclear who the alleged victim is.

Johnson -- who once signed a $45 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs -- is being held until he can see a judge tomorrow morning.

32-year-old Johnson has been arrested 4 other times since 2003 -- each time he was accused of assaulting a woman.

In 2008, he was sued for allegedly spitting on a woman in a nightclub. He paid $100k to settle that case.

In 2011, LJ was sued for allegedly beating up a man in Miami Beach.