SUN Staff Report
9/17/09
A convicted arsonist awaiting sentencing allegedly tried to choke his girlfriend Monday night before crashing his motorcycle, according to Española Police.
Johnathon Ortiz, 19, of Chimayó, allegedly tried to choke the victim, 17, in the parking of Big Rock Casino around 10:30 p.m., Sgt. Rick Martinez said. The victim had red marks on her neck when Martinez interviewed her, he said. During questioning, Ortiz denied choking the victim. No charges were filed, and the report was sent to the District Attorney’s office for review, Martinez said.
After leaving the police station, Ortiz crashed his motorcycle on State Road 68 around 12:30 a.m. and was pinned by the weight of it, according to Martinez and 911 dispatch logs. His girlfriend, who claimed he was following her through town, called 911 and a tow truck came and removed the motorcycle. Ortiz wasn’t injured and wasn’t drinking, Martinez said.
Ortiz pleaded guilty July 17 to arson for burning down Box Pack Mail in August 2008. He is scheduled to be sentenced Friday. Ortiz’s girlfriend declined to comment Tuesday.