WORTHINGTON — A Worthington man is charged with two counts of felony domestic assault, having had two or more previous domestic violence-related offenses within the last 10 years.

On Aug. 6, Worthington police officers responded to a report of domestic assault at a local residence. While en route, officers were advised of broken glass and arguing inside the house.

Upon arrival, Worthington police officers spoke with Gabriel Lee Espinoza, 29, who had reportedly been arguing with the victim.

Espinoza stated he and the kids were playing in the house and he bumped into a glass, causing it to fall off the wall. He maintained nothing physical had happened with the victim, only an argument.

The officer then spoke with the victim outside who stated that nothing happened. The victim said her head hurt, but that she was not sure why. It is noted in the report that the victim was crying and having difficulty catching her breath and speaking.

The reporting party also gave a statement to law enforcement, having reportedly witnessed Espinoza and the victim get into an argument. According to the report, Espinoza became frustrated and began hitting the victim. The reporting party also stated Espinoza punched the wall and the TV and threw a cologne bottle at the victim.

A second officer spoke with the victim, who initially said the bump on her head was caused by Espinoza pulling something from beneath the television, which then fell and hit her. However, after speaking with the officer for a bit, the victim said this sort of thing had happened before and it was not the first time Espinoza had gotten physical with her.

The victim stated the bump was really from Espinoza throwing something at her, and that he had also hit her in the arm.

Officers took photos of the bruise forming on the victim’s arm and large bump on her forehead.

Espinoza has two prior domestic assault convictions in the last 10 years. If convicted on these new charges he will face five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine for each charge. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Aug. 22.

The Southwest Crisis Center is available in our community to support and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence. For questions about services or how you can help, contact the Southwest Crisis Center at 1-800-376-4311 or mnswcc.org .