Suspect In Sledgehammer Attack Arrested

LAS CRUCES — Police have arrested a man who allegedly brokeinto his ex-girlfriend’s homeand both her and another man, according to police officials.

Michael Protextor, 30, of the 400 block of Cheryl Way , is charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and a count each of Aggravated Residential Burglary, Aggravated Assault Against a Household Member, Interference of communication and Tampering with Evidence.

Police investigatorssaid Protextor broke into the residence of his ex-girlfriend and threatened her, and another man, with a 10-pound sledgehammer.The incident happened at about6:30 a.m. Monday.

According to police, the woman locked herself into a bathroom and used her cell phone to call 911. The man left the residence and called for help from a neighbor’s home.

Officers arrivedat thescene and allegedly saw Protextortrying to flee the sceneon foot. He was detained and the sledgehammer was located in a nearby trash container, police officials said.

Protextor wasbooked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center, Hisbond was set at $41,000.