WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — A Rogers man has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder after allegedly shooting at and threatening to kill a pregnant woman, according to court documents.
Jose De Jesus Ortiz, 20, was booked into the Washington County Detention Center on April 30 for attempted murder, terroristic threatening, and second-degree criminal mischief.
A preliminary police report says that on Sunday, April 28, Springdale police detectives were called to investigate an incident involving a 21-year-old woman.
The woman told police that she was in a physical and verbal argument involving De Jesus Ortiz. She said that the argument began when she informed De Jesus Ortiz that she was pregnant and believed him to be the father, the report said.
After the woman left, De Jesus Ortiz allegedly continued messaging her, threatening to kill her and her family.
The report then goes on to say that the woman was parked at a gas station with one of De Jesus Ortiz's guns with her. While there, De Jesus Ortiz found out she was at the gas station, showed up, and allegedly broke her car window. The woman was able to get away, according to the report.
De Jesus Ortiz later told the victim that he wouldn't kill her or her family if she returned the gun.
The report says that at some point, the victim was driving and observed De Jesus Ortiz get out of a vehicle with three other men wearing masks. Before the victim had time to speak to De Jesus Ortiz, he allegedly pulled a mask over his face and pulled out a gun.
According to the police report, De Jesus Ortiz then pointed the gun at the woman and fired it several times. 9mm casings were found at the scene. The victim was able to escape without getting hurt, police said.
De Jesus Ortiz is being held on a $500,000 bond. His trial is set for Nov. 18, 2024.
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