EL PASO, TX – John Anthony Etienne, a 32-year-old man from Texas, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend twice in a single day. Etienne is facing charges including unlawful restraint, assault of a family member impeding breath, continuous assault on a family member, and retaliation, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
The First Assault
The violent incidents unfolded early Friday morning when deputies responded to a call at 4 a.m. in the 3700 block of Peak Place. The victim accused Etienne of assaulting her in the home. However, by the time deputies arrived, Etienne had fled the scene.
The press release from the Sheriff’s Office did not specify how the victim was injured during this first assault, though it was confirmed that she sustained multiple injuries that later required hospital treatment.
Etienne Returns to Assault Victim Again
Just hours later, the woman called police again, reporting that Etienne had returned to the home and assaulted her once more. The victim was again injured and taken to a local hospital for medical care.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about how the second assault occurred or the extent of the victim’s injuries. However, they emphasized the seriousness of the two separate assaults that took place within hours of each other.
Arrest and Previous Charges
Etienne was arrested on Saturday and taken to the El Paso County Jail. He has since posted a $58,500 bond. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office stated that they are committed to protecting victims of family violence and ensuring that offenders like Etienne are held accountable.
Court records show that Etienne faced similar charges in 2019, but the case was dismissed. No details have been released regarding whether those charges involved the same victim.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement reaffirming the department’s dedication to addressing family violence and ensuring that justice is served. The investigation into this incident is still ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses.
The victim’s identity has not been disclosed, and police have not released further information on her condition following the assault.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on this case of domestic violence? Share your opinion in the comments below and discuss the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions. How can communities work together to prevent incidents like this?