A Las Cruces man suspected of violating a restraining order and trying to abduct his ex-girlfriend Monday afternoon has been arrested.
David I. Pena, 23, is charged with one count each of attempted kidnapping, battery against a household member, interference with communication, violation of a restraining order and criminal damage to property.
At around 3 p.m. Monday, March 11, as Pena’s ex-girlfriend was leaving her place of employment at 715 E. Amador Ave. and as she spoke on the phone with a Las Cruces Police officer, Pena approached from behind and tried to force her into his vehicle.
The officer had just called the 19-year-old woman to follow-up on an order of protection issued Friday that forbid Pena from having any contact with his ex-girlfriend.
The woman began screaming for help prompting her boss and co-worker to intervene just outside the business. As the two men approached, Pena let go of his ex-girlfriend who fled into the business. Pena threw the woman’s cell phone to the ground and then left the area in his blue Hyundai Sonata.
The woman was not seriously injured during the incident.
Pena was located by Las Cruces Police Monday evening and taken into custody. He was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with a cash-only bond set at $50,000.