Texas man charged with strangulation, false imprisonment after alleged assault in Sunland Park
A 19-year-old Texas man faces multiple felony charges after Sunland Park police say he assaulted a woman and prevented her from calling for help during a domestic dispute.
Police say victim tried escaping through second-story window during violent domestic dispute
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
SUNLAND PARK - A 19-year-old Texas man faces multiple felony charges after Sunland Park police say he assaulted a woman and prevented her from calling for help during a violent domestic dispute early Sunday morning.
Shai Alva, of Canutillo, Texas, was arrested around 6:37 a.m. March 15 at a residence on Piñon Drive in Sunland Park, according to jail records.
Alva is charged with two counts of aggravated battery against a household member by strangulation or suffocation, interference with communications and false imprisonment, according to a criminal complaint filed in Doña Ana County Magistrate Court.
The strangulation charges are third-degree felonies under New Mexico law.
According to a statement of probable cause filed by Sunland Park police, officers responded to the apartment after receiving a report of a domestic disturbance.
Investigators say the victim told police the two began arguing after returning to the apartment from a nearby nightclub. The victim said the argument escalated when Alva grabbed her by the arms and began shaking her.
Police say the victim reported that Alva then threw her to the floor and pinned her down. During the struggle, the victim said Alva covered her mouth and nose, preventing her from breathing as she attempted to call for help.
According to investigators, the victim told police that Alva took her phone and prevented her from contacting law enforcement.
The victim told officers she managed to briefly escape and attempted to climb out of a second-story bedroom window, but police say Alva pulled her away from the window and held her down again while she screamed for help.
Officers reported observing injuries, including bruising on both arms, a laceration on the victim’s head and injuries around one eye.
According to police, Alva told officers that the two had been drinking and arguing. He claimed the victim slapped and punched him during the dispute.
Investigators said Alva later declined to provide further statements without an attorney present.
A pretrial services assessment recommended release on recognizance and noted that Alva had no prior violent convictions.
Alva remained in custody at the Doña Ana County Detention Center as of Monday morning. He is scheduled to appear for a first appearance hearing in magistrate court at 1:30 p.m. Monday.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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