Arlington police have cleared a woman of any wrongdoing after she stabbed her 33-year-old boyfriend, identified as Keith Green, in self-defense during a violent domestic assault early Friday morning. Green, who allegedly attempted to choke the woman, now faces multiple felony charges including Assault Family Violence—Impede Breath and has an active warrant out of Tarrant County.
ARLINGTON, TX — A Friday morning domestic dispute at an apartment complex in the 4900 block of Silber Road escalated into a life-threatening encounter that left two people hospitalized. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on March 20, 2026, Arlington police responded to a 911 call from a woman stating she had been forced to use a knife to defend herself against her boyfriend.
According to investigators, the woman and 33-year-old Keith Green were involved in a verbal argument when Green allegedly initiated a physical assault. During the struggle, the woman reported that Green attempted to choke her, a charge formally known in Texas as “Impede Breath”. Fearing for her life, she grabbed a nearby knife and struck Green, causing significant injuries to both parties before officers arrived.
Legal Charges and Previous History
Keith Green remains hospitalized under police supervision. Once medically cleared, he will be booked into the Arlington City Jail on two high-level charges:
- Assault Family Violence—Impede Breath/Circulation: A third-degree felony in Texas.
- Assault Family Violence with Previous Conviction: A charge that is enhanced due to his prior history of domestic violence.
Furthermore, investigators discovered that Green was already wanted on an active warrant out of Tarrant County for a previous domestic violence conviction.
Arlington police have confirmed that the woman has not been charged, as the preliminary evidence—including her 911 call and physical injuries consistent with a chokehold—supports her claim of self-defense.
Safety Tip: Domestic violence involving choking is one of the highest predictors of future lethal violence. Under Texas law, “impeding breath” is treated with extreme severity (a felony) because of the immediate risk of brain damage or death. For those in high-risk relationships, having a “safety plan” is vital. This includes knowing where a defensive tool is located and having a “go bag” ready. If you are forced to defend yourself, the fact that you called 911 and remained on the scene is critical evidence for your defense. As a firearm or defensive tool owner, remember that your goal is to stop the threat and immediately transition to seeking professional help and documenting your injuries.
