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Local accused of assault with pan

Venteroso

A local man is facing felony charges after sheriff’s deputies said he beat a woman over a two-day period and prevented her from leaving her home or calling for help.

Edward Venteroso, 46, was arrested Wednesday morning on suspicion of first-degree assault, violation of a protection order, false imprisonment and obstructing telephone service. He remained in custody Friday at the La Plata County Jail on $25,000 bond.

La Plata County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dan Bender said in a news release Friday that Venteroso is suspected of striking Kristy Harris, 55, with a cast-iron frying pan.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call shortly before 7 a.m. Wednesday on County Road 318, west of Ignacio.

When deputies opened the door, Harris fell to the ground and begged deputies to help her, Bender said. Harris was bloody and semi-conscious.

She was admitted to Mercy Regional Medical Center with head and ear injuries, apparently from being struck with a cast-iron frying pan and other blunt-force trauma, Bender said.

No one matching Harris’ name was at Mercy on Friday, hospital spokesman David Bruzzese said.

Venteroso was living on Harris’ property but was restrained from having contact with Harris because of an alleged previous assault, Bender said.

Venteroso allegedly entered Harris’ house Tuesday and assaulted her multiple times until the next day, Bender said.

Venteroso allegedly refused to allow Harris to leave the house or seek medical attention, Bender said. He allegedly damaged Harris’ phone in an attempt to prevent her from calling 911.

cslothower@durangoherald.com



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