Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
A Tucumcari man was jailed last week on a felony count of aggravated battery after he was accused of choking a woman to the point of unconsciousness.
Jordan Salas, 32, was charged with aggravated battery (strangulation or suffocation) and battery of a household member.
The aggravated battery charge is a third-degree felony that can lead up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
According to a complaint filed by Tucumcari Police officer Matthew Lopez, he was sent to East Rankin Avenue on Feb. 28 to check a domestic disturbance call.
Haley Place told the officer he was outside of a friend’s house when he heard woman scream to “call the cops.” Place said he ran next door, removed a woman there and called police.
The woman said she left her home to pick up a daughter from school. When she returned, Salas was waiting. They began to argue about her lacking permission to leave.
The woman said Salas punched her on the left arm. She said she tried to leave, but Salas grabbed her by the throat and began choking her. She said she passed out for about a minute.
Lopez stated in his complaint he saw red marks on the woman’s neck and left arm. She told him she and Salas had been fighting since October.
The woman told the officer she could not leave the house without Salas’ permission, could not have any money without asking him for it and kept her head down in public because she feared him.
Lopez stated the woman’s red bruises, her being choked to unconsciousness and “controlling factors” all were signs of domestic abuse.
The Quay County Sun generally does not identify alleged victims of abuse.
Magistrate Judge Noreen Hendrickson found probable cause in the case and appointed Brett Phelps as Salas’ public defender. Salas was scheduled appear in court for a preliminary examination on Thursday.