MPD, Ak-Chin respond to assault case

A Maricopa man faces an assault charge after an arrest that involved both Maricopa and Ak-Chin police departments.

According to MPD, Jesus Escalante, 43, notified police Monday that Andrea Trujillo was staying at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Hotel and was abusing drugs. MPD contacted ACPD for a welfare check and was told the woman was there and “severely bruised.”

MPD spoke to Trujillo at the hotel. Officers described bruising to her chin, arm and shoulder. She claimed Escalante had assaulted her earlier in the day.

She said she and Escalante had argued Sunday at a residence on West Lococo Street about his feelings of being disrespected and she claimed he punched her in the mouth. A witness in the home told police she thought the incident occurred Saturday and said she did not see Escalante punch her friend because she left the room when they started arguing.

At some point, the two women left the Smith Farms residence to stay the night at the casino hotel. They returned to the home Monday morning, according to the report. They told police Escalante again became angry and chased Trujillo around with a dust pan.

They claimed Escalante grabbed Trujillo and pushed her against a wall and struck her with his elbows.

Escalante denied the accusations, claiming the alleged victim was known for hitting herself and was the aggressor.

MPD took Escalante into custody, noting he “showed no concern about being arrested and stated he just wants Andrea to get help.” He was booked at Pinal County jail on recommended charges of assault and disorderly conduct.