Violent NYE Assault Suspect Arrested After Pursuit

Benton County Deputies arrested a violent assault suspect New Year's Day, after he allegedly brutally beat his ex-girlfriend.

Deputies say the 33-year-old woman had gone to the Conoco station at 9th and Chris Streets in Benton City to meet with her former boyfriend. She didn't say why, but when he arrived, the suspect, 31-year-old Rodolfo Lopez Afaro, jumped into her car and told her to drive. He then began to punch her repeatedly in the face, so much so that he broke several of her teeth, and she had to stop driving due to blood clouding and blinding her eyes. She also suffered a broken hand.

He then forced her with a gun to get into the back of the car, and he began to drive.

Near SW Anderson Road, she was able to escape from the car after Afaro had to stop to retrieve his gun, which had fallen onto the floor. She was able to get help from people there, and Alfaro left the scene in her vehicle. She was taken to Kadlec Medical center for treatment.

Deputies learned Alfaro might be at a residence in the 300 block of 7th Street in Benton City, and officers staked out there saw him leave around 10:05AM New Year's Day. He drove away and officers pulled him over not far from the home. He tried to flee on foot but was taken down by K-9 Sable. He's now facing a multitude of charges in the Benton County Jail.