KEARNEY, Neb. -- A Kearney man who broke into a home, assaulted and strangled a woman while burglarizing the residence, pleads no contest.

Last February, Justin Hadenfeldt, 38, broke into a Kearney home, hit and choked a mother in front of two of her children until she was unconscious, and sent her to the hospital. She is still recovering from the injuries suffered at the hands of Hadenfeldt.

He was eventually arrested following a pursuit on the interstate. Hadenfeldt has a lengthy rap sheet, and by pleading no contest, he avoided habitual criminal enhancements.

The charges are first degree assault, strangulation or suffocation resulting in serious bodily injury, and burglary. All of them are a Class II or IIA felony, and the maximum sentence for the assault is 50 years. The other IIA felonies have a maximum of 20 years.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2025.