Man arrested after allegedly assaulting, choking pregnant woman

Benjamin Arocha, 24, charged with assault, strangulation

SAN ANTONIO – A man is behind bars after police say he assaulted and nearly choked a pregnant woman to death. She survived, but her unborn baby did not.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Benjamin Arocha, 24, got angry over emails and text messages from other men he found on the woman's phone. That argument allegedly turned physical and ended with the victim going to the hospital.

Recommended Videos



The alleged attack happened Feb. 27. Arocha was taken into custody Tuesday.

Arocha allegedly hit the woman several times in the face and also choked her, according to the affidavit.

The victim told police Arocha bounced his body up and down her abdominal region as if he was trying to hurt the fetus, the affidavit stated.

Shortly after the alleged attack, the woman went to Christus Santa Rosa Hospital at Westover Hills, where workers couldn't detect a baby's heartbeat, the affidavit stated.

The victim was also treated for multiple injuries on her face and neck area. It's unknown how far along she was in her pregnancy or if Arocha was the father.

Arocha has been charged with assault and strangulation. He's currently being held at the Bexar County Jail on a $10,000 bond.