An Artesia man was arrested Friday on multiple charges of battery after an alleged brutal attack on his girlfriend in June.
Artesia Police Department officers arrived on scene in the 700 block of West Cleveland Avenue just after 6 p.m. June 17 and spoke with the victim, who stated the accused, identified as Dion Ochoa, 23, of Artesia, had kicked in a door to the residence and attacked her.
According to the police report, Ochoa initially grabbed the victim near her neck, pushing her back against a washing machine and causing her to strike her head against the corner of a shelf. The victim stated he then began to choke her.
After briefly escaping his grasp, the report states the victim was able to run outside, only to be caught by Ochoa, who began choking her again. Two witnesses reported he then began beating the victim with a branch, stopping only after being told by witnesses that the police would be called.
Ochoa allegedly told the victim and witnesses he would return later with a gun and “shoot up their houses” if the police were notified.
Officers observed scratches and cuts on the victim’s arms, a large red area on her abdomen consistent with being struck multiple times, and multiple swelling, red marks on her neck, jaw and forehead. The marks on her neck appeared consistent with having been choked or strangled.
Ochoa was arrested at 3:02 p.m. Friday on charges of aggravated battery against a household member, bribery of a witness, criminal damage to property of another, and five municipal warrants for failure to pay.
He is scheduled for a July 20 preliminary examination in Artesia Magistrate Court.
