Former cop pleads not guilty for beating girlfriend

A former Department of Public Safety police officer pleaded not guilty last Monday to allegedly beating his girlfriend.

Former cop Edward Babauta Pua, 37, pleaded not guilty to all four charges against him. Pua is facing charges for assault and battery (domestic violence), disturbing the peace (domestic violence), criminal mischief, and assault.

Pua was originally charged with kidnapping, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace but the information was amended.

Pua is set for a status conference on March 13 at 9am.

Attorney Rosemond Santos represents Pua, while acting chief prosecutor Heather Barcinas represents the government.

Pua has since posted $2,500 of his initial $25,000 and has been released to his mother who is his third-party custodian.

Pua was arrested for allegedly beating his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day because he believed she was having an affair.

According to a police report, last Feb. 14, Pua forced the victim to remain in his car and drove to Marpi. He accused the victim of having an affair and used his right elbow to hit her left temple.

Witnesses at the former Mariana Resort & Spa area—now called the Marianas Base Camp—heard the victim shouting for help.

Police officers said the victim had a swollen face and lips, bruising on her left and right arms, and above her chest.

The victim told police that she was taken by Pua against her will and that he became upset when she refused to give him her cellphone.

According to the victim, while Pua was driving and punching her head area, she reached for the gear and shifted it, causing the car to slow down. The victim said she was able to steer the wheel to the left, causing it to turn near the entrance to MBC.

She said when the car stopped she got down and began shouting for help and ran toward the entrance.

The victim said she then felt a blow to the back of her head and fell to the ground. Pua told her to get up, but as soon as she got up, she tried to run but her hair was pulled and she ended back on the ground.

While on the ground, the victim said Pua punched her simultaneously with both hands. She said Pua then dragged her back to the car, but she refused until she saw someone with a flashlight and shouted for help.

MD: A former Department of Public Safety police officer pleaded not guilty last Monday to allegedly beating his girlfriend.

Keywords: Edward Pua, police officer, assault, girlfriend, not guilty.