12-Year-Old Boy Stops Dad From Choking Mom, Dona Ana Sheriff Says

A Santa Teresa man has was arrested by Dona Ana Sheriff’s deputies after he allegedly tried to choke his wife Monday morning.

According to Sheriff’s investigators, Ricardo A. Gutierrez, 30,of the 5400 block of Crest Drive inSanta Teresa, allegedly slapped his wife and when she threatened to call police, allegedly struck her several more times, taking the telephone away from her.

Gutierrez then allegedly attempted to strangle his wife, but wasstopped by his 12-year-old son.

Gutierrez’s other three children, ranging in ages from one to nine, were hiding in another room during the incident.

Gutierrez, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time, was charged by sheriff’s investigators with three counts of battery against a household member and one count of interference with communications – all misdemeanors, according to sheriff’s officials.

Gutierrez is a transport officerat the prison in Otero County, Chaparral. He was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center under a $4,000 Surety Bond.