JONESBORO, Ark.—A Jonesboro man has been charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor domestic battery following an alleged domestic disturbance that police say left the victim with visible injuries.
Devin Pole Pantoja faces accusations of slapping his partner and choking her until she nearly lost consciousness during a July 30 incident at a residence in the 1000 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Jonesboro police responded to a disturbance and observed significant redness on the victim’s left cheek. The victim told officers that she and Pantoja had been arguing throughout the day when he struck her face, igniting a physical altercation. She alleged that Pantoja grabbed her from behind and choked her until she feared for her life. Officers documented injuries to her cheek, neck, and sternum.
Pantoja admitted to striking the victim but denied the allegation of choking her, the affidavit noted.
A witness who resides with the couple told police they heard what sounded like a slap, followed by the victim crying out and the sound of furniture being moved. The witness also reported hearing the victim gasping for air and believed Pantoja was strangling her.
District Judge Tommy Fowler determined there was probable cause during a hearing on Monday and set Pantoja’s bond at $10,000 cash or surety. A no-contact order was issued, and the court appointed a public defender to represent him.
Pantoja’s next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on September 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro.
It is important to note that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.