Michael Earp was arrested on March 11 for attempted murder in connection with a shooting case in Chelsea on March 5. Earp is pictured following his arrest in Mount Pleasant in December 2020. -- Photo: Henry County Jail

A 49-year-old Chelsea man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting incident March 5 in Chelsea.

According to court documents, Michael Anthony Earp allegedly made repeated threats to kill a woman at a residence in the 200 block of Irish Street.

Earp allegedly assaulted the victim in the bathroom of the residence, holding her down on the floor, strangling her while saying, “Today is the day you end” and “I’m going to kill you today.” Earp allegedly strangled the victim until he was shot in the head. Court documents do not disclose who shot Earp.

Earp was transported by air ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. He was arrested at the hospital on March 11. Since then, he has been discharged from the hospital and is currently in custody at the Tama County Jail on a $50,000 bond. A preliminary court hearing is set for March 19.

In December, Earp was charged with two felonies for controlled substance violation and an aggravated misdemeanor for carrying weapons following a traffic stop in Mount Pleasant. According to court documents, Earp ran from authorities which instigated a high-speed chase, reaching speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.

Scene of the March 5 incident in Chelsea where Michael Earp is alleged to have strangled a woman before he was shot. -- Darvin Graham/News Chronicle

Once authorities apprehended Earp, multiple items related to narcotics trafficking were found in his vehicle including drug paraphernalia, 1.5 to 4 grams of what appeared to be marijuana, a large sum of cash and metallic knuckles with a fixed knife blade attached to it.

Earp was released in December from the Henry County Jail on bond for $15,000.