A Maricopa man has been arrested on multiple assault charges after an alleged domestic violence incident Thursday, during which, reports say, he never actually touched anyone.
John Barrera, 51, was booked by the Maricopa Police Department on a total of four counts of aggravated assault after allegedly threatening multiple people with a knife during an argument Nov. 9.
MPD reports allege Barrera was involved in an altercation with another individual inside a Homestead residence during which he grabbed a knife and began “swinging the knife at them” but “did not make contact with anyone.”
One of the witnesses, a minor, corroborated the account, the report says.
Barrera allegedly began yelling and pointing a knife at the witness after they tried to enter a kitchen area to get food, according to the report. Again, the witness said they were able to get away without being hurt.
Both witnesses and the arresting officer stated Barreras made “irrational” and unclear statements during the incident.
Despite never actually making physical contact, Arizona law (13-1204 (B)) states a person need only place “another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury” for it to be considered assault.
Barrera is being held on a $10,000 bond at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center, in Florence.
If convicted on all four charges, Barrera could face more than 16 years in prison.
