Las Cruces police arrested a man suspected of child abuse, battering his girlfriend and preventing the woman from leaving their residence on Wednesday evening.
Ruben Sanchez, 31, of the 2200 block of Corley Dr., is charged with a first-degree felony count of kidnapping, three third-degree felony counts of aggravated battery against a household member, a third-degree felony count of child abuse, two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, and two misdemeanor counts of battery on a household member.
About 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of a domestic in progress at Sanchez’s residence. Sanchez was located in the home and his girlfriend had visible injuries consistent with being a victim of a physical altercation.
Investigators learned that Sanchez’s girlfriend arrived at the home about 6 p.m. with their 2-month-old daughter. Upon entering the home, Sanchez – who appeared to be intoxicated – allegedly became upset and accused his girlfriend of cheating on him. Investigators believe Sanchez became aggressive and grabbed the woman in a choke hold while she was holding their infant daughter.
Investigators believe the altercation intensified as Sanchez threw his infant daughter aside, pushed his girlfriend to the floor and attempted to strangle her with both hands around her neck. The woman was able to free herself from Sanchez’s grip but, when she tried to leave the residence, Sanchez grabbed her and forced her back inside. The woman, infant daughter and the couple’s 17-month-old son were not seriously injured during the incident.
Upon further investigation, police located two large pit bull dogs that were being held in a small cage with no access to water or food. The dogs were unable to freely move about in the small cage and one of the dogs had a fresh injury to the top of its head. The home smelled of urine, had dog feces on the floor and the living conditions appeared to be unsuitable for young children.
Sanchez was arrested and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he’s initially being held without bond.
Information from Las Cruces Police