Man allegedly forces way into ex-wife’s apartment, holds her captive

A Las Cruces man lured his ex-wife out of her apartment before forcing his way inside home, holding her captive and beating her, police said.

Police responded after reports of screams coming from the apartment about 9:30 p.m. Thursday at 930 E. Boutz Rd.

When officers arrived and knocked on the door, they heard screaming. Officers kicked open the door and said 24-year-old Edward B. Martinez was holding the woman against her will.

Investigators said that after Martinez allegedly forced his way into the apartment, the woman locked herself into the bathroom. Martinez allegedly kicked down the door and took her cellphone.

Investigators also said when officers arrived and knocked on the door, Martinez allegedly covered the woman’s mouth with his hand to keep her from screaming. They said he had beat her.

Martinez is charged with with one count each of false imprisonment, battery against a household member and interference with communications. He was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond.

Police said the woman’s injuries we not considered life-threatening.