LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Lynden city leader is facing an assault charge following an alleged incident at his home.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s spokesperson Deb Slater says that deputies were called to investigate the incident at a home on Bender Rd on Saturday.

The victim said that they had gotten into an argument with a family member, 55-year-old Gary Vis.

Vis is accused of putting the victim in a chokehold that restricted their breathing for about one minute during the altercation.

The victim screamed to be let go and another family member was able to separate the two and call police.

Vis was taken into custody and was later released from the Whatcom County Jail without bail.

Vis is the executive director of the Lynden Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Lynden City Council.

The Lynden Chamber of Commerce board released the following statement: “The Board was made aware of an incident involving Gary Vis, the Lynden Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director. The Vis family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at this point.”