By Newton Now Staff
Newton Police hope to serve warrants on a man who stands accused of holding a knife to a woman’s throat, as well as stealing her vehicle.
Police received a report early August 20 about a domestic disturbance. According to Police Lt. Scott Powell, the reporting party stated that a man held a knife to her throat, while they were in a parked vehicle in the 600 Blk of First St.
Powell said the victim was in the drivers seat and managed to escape the vehicle a 2003 Yukon owned by the victim.
Powell said police also believe the suspect threatened to kill the victim, who the suspect was in a relationship with.
The reporting party said the suspect then threw the knife and drove off.
“He leaves the car in an alley across town and we found the car the next day,” Powell said adding that police also found the knife.
Powell said police were able to obtain a warrant to arrest the suspect in the crime, Transito (Tito) Espinoza, 46 of Newton, however they’ve been unable to locate him.
Powell said he will likely face charges of domestic battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat and aggravated robbery once he is found.
Powell said Espinoza is a 5-6, 200 pounds hispanic male with a tear drop tattoo on his left eye as well as a neck tattoo on the right side of his neck.
Powell recommended anyone with information about his whereabouts call the police and not confront the man directly as he could be violent.
“If you see him you need to call 911,” Powell said.
