According to an incident report, Gabriel Mares, 27, was being questioned by two deputies at a residence on County Road R after his girlfriend reported that he had assaulted her during an argument.
After admitting that he was involved in the fight and was told he was under arrest, Mares attempted to flee, according to Deputy Edward Oxley’s report.
Oxley and Sgt. Jesse Minor, who also reported to the scene, attempted to prevent the escape, and a scuffle ensued. Mares put Minor in a headlock, and as deputies took Mares to the ground, Minor’s head struck the tile floor, according to Minor’s report.
The suspect continued to struggle. In an attempt to subdue him, Minor punched him in the face, and Oxley tasered him in the back, according to Minor’s report.
Upon being stunned, Mares was handcuffed and taken to the Montezuma County jail.
The woman had fled the residence on County Road R and gone to the Dolores Public Library, where deputies interviewed her.
She reported that the suspect had “banged her head on the tile floor multiple times” during an argument about a phone, Oxley reported.
A medical rescue unit from the Dolores Fire Protection District responded to the library to assess an injury to her head, and she declined to be transported to the hospital. A victim’s advocate responded and offered assistance. The sheriff reported a protection order is automatically issued in domestic violence cases.
Mares appeared for an advisement hearing Friday before Judge JenniLynn Lawrence in Montezuma County Court. He faces two counts of second-degree assault, class four felonies, and one count of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.
Lawrence set Mares’ bond at $3,000 cash or surety.
Lawrence said it was the type of case that represented a danger to public safety. She issued an order prohibiting Mares from contacting his girlfriend and another one prohibiting Mares from harassing any law enforcement official, including deputy Minor.
Prosecuting attorney Sheena Goldsboro asked for a $10,000 bond, but said Mares had no prior violent criminal history. Defense Attorney Justin Bogan argued that a bond of $2,000 was appropriate and would motivate Mares to abide by the law in the future.
