By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Authorities are on the lookout for Jacob Matthew Rios, 29, who is wanted for questioning regarding an alleged aggravated assault and robbery.
Rios also has two outstanding warrants for his arrest regarding separate charges of aggravated DUI and theft.
A Safford officer was dispatched about 11:14 a.m. on Feb. 11 to a residence on 3rd Street regarding a robbery and assault but was unable to locate the alleged suspect, Rios.
According to the victim, Rios appeared to be going through drug withdrawal and began to accuse the victim of “cheating” on him. The victim said she and Rios are no longer a couple but do have children in common. She said she had gone over to the residence so Rios could see his child as she performed errands.
While there, however, Rios became agitated and allegedly punched the victim in her eye, causing a laceration. While the victim reacted to her wound, Rios allegedly grabbed her wallet from the inside of the vehicle and took $40 and fled on foot, according to her statement to police.
The victim was transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment and had to receive stitches to close the “gash” under her right eye. She also received a scan to check for any damage to her eye socket and cheek bone.
While being treated at the hospital, an attempt to locate Rios was dispatched but was not fruitful. Officers went back to the residence on 3rd Street on Feb. 16 in an attempt to locate Rios but were not able to do so.
Rios is wanted on his warrants and for questioning regarding possible charges of aggravated assault/domestic violence, robbery, and disorderly conduct/domestic violence.
Update: According to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office jail log, Rios was apprehended and booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on Feb. 18.
