EVERETT — A suspected gang member is back behind bars after a woman reported that she was forced to jump out of a two-story window to escape being beaten.
Malu “June Bug” Matalepuna tried to run as police officers closed in on him Thursday. He was quickly arrested and booked into the county jail for investigation of second-degree domestic violence assault and unlawful imprisonment.
A judge Friday also found probable cause to hold Malu for investigation of unlawful gun possession and having a stolen gun. He is being held on $250,000 bail.
Police received reports that a woman was hiding at her neighbor’s house after jumping two stories and landing in some bushes below. Officers contacted the woman, who had several injuries, including a black eye and scratches on her neck as if she’d been choked, according to a police affidavit filed Friday.
The woman said she had been punched in the mouth, wrestled to the ground and held down. She was able to free herself but Malu allegedly blocked her, court papers said. She reported that she was fearful the beating would continue so she jumped out the window.
She also told police Malu hadn’t choked her and declined to provide any additional details, the officer wrote in the affidavit.
Officers found evidence of violence inside the apartment, including bloody handprints on the door frame. It appeared as if someone had fought to get out of the room, the officer wrote.
The blinds on a second story window were pushed out and the screen was lying on the ground when police arrived.
Officers tracked Malu to a house on Magnolia Avenue. He attempted to run out the back but was detained.
Malu, 22, was jailed in September in connection with the Aug. 13 shooting death of a man at an apartment on West Casino Road. He was later released and charges against him were dropped.
Police say Malu is a member of the Waco Boys, a criminal street gang. Two Waco Boys are being held in connection with the shooting case.
Prosecutors allege that Eric “Icky” Lowe and Jeffrey “JK” Cleator busted into the apartment to rob Alonzo Lopez-Gonzalez, a suspected heroin dealer. Lowe is accused of pistol-whipping the victim while he demanded the man’s money.
Lopez-Gonzalez, 22, was shot in the back after either jumping or being pushed from a second-story balcony.
Lowe is charged with first-degree murder. Cleator is facing robbery and burglary charges.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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