GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (WKRC) – A man allegedly followed a news reporter for 40 miles to his station, where he attacked and strangled him after accusing him of not being an American citizen.

The Grand Junction Police Department responded to a call of an assault in progress at around 2:20 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the news station for KKCO/KJCT.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Associated Press, the incident began when 39-year-old Patrick Thomas Egan parked beside reporter Ja’Ronn Alex’s news vehicle at a stoplight and shouted something similar to:

“Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!” Egan said, according to The Associated Press.

Egan then followed Alex’s news vehicle in his own work car, a taxi cab he drove for Sunshine Rides, according to The Associated Press.

According to police, Egan followed Alex all the way back to the KCCO/KJCT station, which was around 40 miles away from where the initial exchange took place.

Both men arrived to the station at the same time and Egan chased Alex as he attempted to run into the building, police said. Egan allegedly demanded Alex’s ID.

Police said that upon refusal Egan tackled Alex and strangled him until Alex’s coworkers managed to restrain the attacker.

Police arrested Egan and charged him with bias motivated crimes, second degree assault, and harassment.