Off-duty NYPD cop, husband broke into her sister-in-law’s home and choked her: prosecutors
An off-duty NYPD cop was arrested Sunday after she and her husband allegedly broke down the door of her sister-in-law’s Queens home and choked their relative, prosecutors and police said.
Maria and Robert Villalta, both 39, also allegedly hit the victim in the face during the predawn break-in that started around 2:15 a.m., according to a criminal complaint.
After entering the home, Robert Villalta allegedly shoved his sister onto a bed and choked her.
He then allegedly hit her in the face, prosecutors said.
The victim told authorities that Maria Villalta also hit her and then wrapped both of her hands around her neck during the attack, according to the complaint.
Robert Villalta also allegedly punched a man who was in the apartment with his sister and then choked him, the Queens District Attorney’s Office said.
Both victims complained about trouble breathing as a result of the alleged assault. The cop’s sister-in-law also had marks on her face, neck and arm, as well as a bloody nose, according to the complaint.
The NYPD said Sunday evening Maria Villalta was arrested around 4:15 a.m. in Queens. She was suspended without pay, the department said.
She and her husband are facing charges of second-degree burglary, third-degree assault, criminal obstruction of breathing and second-degree harassment, prosecutors said.
