By Bonnie Culverhouse
A repeat performance of domestic abuse landed a Minden man behind bars and his girlfriend in the hospital.
Gabriel Jose Maldonado, 39, of the 800 block of Center street, was arrested July 15 by Minden Police and charged with felony domestic abuse, aggravated second-degree battery with a child present and resisting an officer.
According to Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper, his officers Lt. Tokia Whiting-Harrison, Sgt. Donald Brice and Lt. Christopher McClaran arrived at the Center Street residence where they were aware that Maldonado had battered his girlfriend of 12 years inside their shared home.
“They have been together for 12 years and have an 11-year-old special needs child,” Cropper said. “The victim said Maldonado accused her of cheating on him and began striking her. She said he hit her with a baseball bat, a hatchet with a hammer affixed to it and then shot her with a pellet rifle.”
All three weapons were reportedly recovered inside the residence, the investigating officers said.
Medics subsequently treated the victim for an apparent fracture in her hand, possible broken leg, lacerations and contusions, and transported her to Willis-Knighton South.
“Upon initial contact, officers heard arguing and a loud ‘thump’ noise from inside the house,” Cropper said. “Officers heard Maldonado speak to them from inside the house, asking ‘who is it?’ Officers identified themselves and Maldonado told him they were all right. Officers ordered him to open the door and he replied ‘no!’
“Eventually, Maldonado exited the front door after multiple commands,” the chief continued. “He was taken into custody. Officers observed blood spatter throughout the inside of the home.”
According to records, April 4, 2021, Maldonado was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. That case was dismissed.
