A Texas man is facing serious charges after police say he violently attacked his pregnant girlfriend in a confrontation sparked by doubts about the unborn child’s paternity. Authorities allege that 21-year-old Dominick Rangel assaulted the woman inside a Waco apartment, leading to his arrest and a $5,000 bond.
Waco police responded Tuesday afternoon after the woman called 911, claiming Rangel struck her multiple times and began “breaking things” in their home, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KWTX. The incident unfolded shortly after she informed him that he might not be the father of her baby.
Investigators say the couple had been together for five years and share a young son. The woman told police they had briefly separated before reconciling and moving into an apartment with her grandmother. Tensions escalated earlier this week, with the woman asking Rangel to move out following repeated arguments.
The dispute reportedly turned violent while the couple lay in bed. Rangel allegedly questioned how her relatives would react “if she had a child with another man.” When she responded that her family would still stand by her, police say Rangel became enraged and punched her several times in the back.
The woman also told officers that Rangel asked if she would get an abortion and believed him “hitting her in the back” was “in an attempt to” cause a miscarriage.
Before officers arrived, Rangel allegedly tried to take their son’s Social Security card. Police took him into custody at the scene without further incident.
He has been charged with assault of a pregnant person, a crime that can carry steep legal penalties in Texas. After booking, Rangel posted bond and was released from jail Wednesday.
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