GPD investigating assault cases

GONZALES — Police are investigating a local assault/criminal mischief case in which they said a man tried to choke his girlfriend and broke her cell phone.

On July 12, Officer Tyler Wendland was dispatched to the 1300 block of College St. in reference to an assault, Capt. Allen Taylor said. Wendland spoke with the victim, who said that her boyfriend had punched her in the face with a closed fist after an argument. He then grabbed her cell phone and broke it.

Taylor said the suspect began choking the victim.

Officers noticed marks on the victim’s throat that were consistent with her account of the incident. They also noticed the cell phone was damaged.

Arrest warrants for assault and criminal mischief were later issued for the suspect.

On July 13, Officer Victor Izaguirre was dispatched to the 600 block of St. Lawrence. in reference to a disturbance. The caller said the suspect had left the scene.

Upon arrival Izaguirre spoke with the victim, who said she had been assaulted by her husband, with whom she is currently separated. She said he had slapped her across the right side of her head.

At first the victim said she wanted to file charges, but later said she didn’t, and signed a non-prosecution form. The suspect later provided a statement to police.

The case is being forwarded to the county prosecutor’s office for investigation.