Intoxicated man allegedly beats up wife, hits her with 3 stools

An intoxicated man allegedly chased his common-law wife on the street, beat her, and struck her with three stools at a bar in Garapan, where she sought refuge last June 22.

Herbert Osupang Bel, 38, was arrested that same night. He was subsequently released as police conducted further investigation.

Bel was served with an arrest warrant on Thursday on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, disturbing the peace, and criminal mischief.

The victim suffered an inch-long laceration above the right eye, swollen lump on the back of head, and bruised left forearm, police said.

At a hearing on Friday, Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio imposed an $8,000 cash bail on Bel and set the preliminary hearing for July 8 at 9am.

Assistant public defender Tillman Clark was appointed as counsel for Bel. Assistant attorney general Chester Hinds appeared for the government.

Police Detective Peter Aldan stated in his report that last June 22, Bel and his common-law wife went to the house of her uncle for a family gathering near Admiral Restaurant and Bar in Garapan.

After the party, as they were walking on their way home, the common-law wife held on to the arm of her male relative because she felt that Bel got mad and would beat her up.

Bel and the victim’s relative eventually got into an argument. Bel then chased the victim from Taibwo Street until they reached Admiral Bar and Restaurant.

The male manager of the establishment opened the front door to check the shouting and commotion outside. The victim, however, ran inside the bar and stood behind the manager, begging to call the police.

Bel barged in and started punching the victim, but instead hit the manager on the arms and shoulders.

Bel threw a beer can, injuring the victim on the forehead. He grabbed a bar stool and used it to strike the back of the victim’s head. He grabbed the second stool and struck her left arm.

The victim fell on the floor. Bel, however, started punching and kicking her.

The defendant grabbed the third stool and hit the victim on the side of her body. He then sat on her and tried to gouge out her right eye, causing her to scream in pain.

The victim’s relative came, grabbed Bel and pulled him out from her. The victim ran outside. Police officers came and arrested Bel.

Police said total damage to the three tools and sofa in the bar was valued at $620.