CHEYENNE, WYO. – Police say that a 33-year old man was arrested in the early morning hours of February 1st, after it was alleged that the suspect had attacked another man in the parking lot of a motel.
According to court documents, Ruben Astorga Jr. made his initial appearance in Laramie County Court on February 3rd, to face a charge of Aggravated Assault and a misdemeanor count of Possession of Cocaine.
Cheyenne police say that they arrested Astorga after they responded to a report of an alleged attack that took place on the 1600 block of East Lincolnway.
Court papers say that the victim told police that they had gotten into a verbal argument with Astorga before the alleged assault took place. The affidavit says that the last thing the victim reported remembering is Astorga striking them in the face.
Police say that they observed serious bruising, swelling and a cut on the face of the victim.
According to the affidavit, when law enforcement made contact with Astorga, he initially denied that any assault took place. Police say that when they located blood on the floor of his motel room, Astorga told them that he and the victim had gotten into a wrestling bout, and the blood was his own.
Court papers say that investigators were later able to review security footage from the motel that showed Astorga reportedly striking the victim in the head, which rendered them unconscious. Police say that the video footage showed that Astorga continuing to allegedly hit the victim several times while they were unconscious.
Police say that the footage also indicates that Astorga slammed the victims head into the concrete multiple times.
After Astorga was arrested for the alleged assault, law enforcement located a small amount of suspected cocaine in his possession.
Astorga was given a $5000 cash bond.
Wyoming statutes say that an individual convicted of Aggravated Assault can face up to ten years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
All of those cited are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office.
