Police arrested a man early Monday on suspicion that he assaulted his fiance and pointed a gun at officers. No shots had been fired.
Fred A. Ballestero, 28, appeared in court Monday, and a judge set his bond at $35,000 Monday.
In 12:30 a.m. Monday, authorities reacted to the domestic violence call at the 6100 block of North Driscoll Blvd..
Ballestero had arrived home drunk, based on court records, and yelled at his fiance. He dropped down to the ground, and she caught her daughter and walked toward the bedroom. Ballestero grabbed her shoulders and arms as she had been trying to get away.
Ballestero’s fiance accumulated her other child and then locked themselves in the restroom where she called 911. She was crying and told authorities that she had been attacked.
One officer stood from the bedroom window and saw Ballestero visit the bedroom cupboard and catch a handgun. Ballestero made eye contact with the officer and pointed the gun straight at him. The officer arranged Ballestero to drop the gun, and he did, but left the area. Police then pushed the front door open and arrested Ballestero, according to court records.
Ballestero’s mother, Kathy Hildebrand, stated that he has been going through a challenging time, partly because she discovered she has cancer. She stated he has been drinking because of it.
“This is the dreadful thing that alcohol can do to people,” she explained. “This is not the kind of individual he is. I am sure he is devastated by what he has done.”
The estimate, Michael Price, decreased the bond in the county prosecutor’s recommended $50,000 to $35,000 because Ballestero has no prior criminal convictions.
Ballestero is facing fees for second-degree attack, unlawful domestic violence imprisonment and also fourth-degree domestic violence attack, according to a Spokane Police Department news release.