MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A 38-year-old man is facing several felony charges after deputies say he pistol-whipped and choked his girlfriend during a violent argument early Sunday morning at a home near Miami Dade College’s Kendall campus.
Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office say Robert Alexander Villanueva was arrested around 3 a.m. at a residence near the 17000 block of Southwest 113th Avenue.
According to an arrest report, Villanueva and the victim, who live together, began arguing over text messages he had received.
Detectives said the dispute escalated when Villanueva pulled out a gun and pointed it at his girlfriend.
When she tried to grab the grab to stop him from firing, the two struggled until Villanueva regained control, according to the report.
Investigators said the victim ran inside, but Villanueva followed, grabbed her by the hair, dragged her to the floor, and punched her several time before putting her in a chokehold.
They said the woman told police she was able to reach a broomstick nearby and hit Villanueva several times to free herself.
However, the report says he overpowered her again, pressed the broomstick against her throat, and struck her in the head with the gun.
Responding deputies arrested Villanueva at the scene.
Deputies said the victim suffered swelling to her head and a bloody nose and was taken by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to HCA Florida Cutler Bay Hospital after suffering what officials described as a possible seizure. Villanueva had a small cut on his face.
They said Villanueva later claimed during questioning that it was the victim who first pulled out the gun, sparking the fight.
Authorities did not disclose the contents of the text messages that sparked the argument.
Jail records show Villanueva is facing one count each of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery by strangulation, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and an additional battery charge.
As of Monday, he was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond was listed as “to be set.”
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