HILO — A 29-year-old police officer accused of abusing his 36-year-old wife made his initial court appearance Wednesday.

Daniel R. Ulrich, who’s free on $5,000 bond, appeared without a lawyer and was referred to the Office of the Public Defender.

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Hilo District Judge Kanani Laubach ordered Ulrich to return at 2 p.m. May 6 for a preliminary hearing.

According to the complaint, Ulrich, who was placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation, “intentionally or knowingly imped(ed) the normal breathing or circulation of blood” in the victim “by applying pressure on (her) throat or neck.” He’s also accused of “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly caus(ing) substantial injury” to his wife.

Ulrich is charged with second-degree assault and aggravated domestic abuse by strangulation, both Class C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison upon conviction, plus misdemeanor domestic abuse.

The alleged offense occurred Sunday.

According to police, Ulrich’s wife was treated and released at Hilo Medical Center.

In a written statement, the department said Ulrich was hired Feb. 16, 2018, and is still within the standard initial 18-month new hire probationary period.

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Ulrich was assigned to solo patrol duty in Puna on Jan. 1, according to police.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.