A Hialeah man is facing an attempted murder charge after police said he tried to shoot his girlfriend during a violent domestic dispute, but the gun malfunctioned, allowing her to escape.
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Alian Arguelles was arrested Monday and is charged with attempted premeditated murder and battery in connection with the attack that investigators said happened last month inside a Hialeah apartment.
According to an arrest report, the victim told police she had recently tried to end her six-year relationship with Arguelles. Police said he became violent, repeatedly punched her and then pointed a handgun at her head.
“He pulled out a gun, pointed it to her head and pulled the trigger,” Hialeah police spokesperson Lt. Eddie Rodriguez said.
Investigators said the firearm malfunctioned, giving the woman an opportunity to flee and seek help.
Authorities arrested Arguelles on Monday outside a local store. Police said officers recovered a handgun from him at the time of his arrest. Investigators said the firearm had previously been reported lost.
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During his first court appearance, a judge informed Arguelles he was facing charges of attempted premeditated murder and battery. Court records also indicate he has an immigration hold.
Police said the victim told investigators she had endured years of abuse but was afraid to report it because she is undocumented.
“When the victim was interviewed, she said she put up with so much abuse because she was scared to go to the police because she doesn’t have any documents,” Rodriguez said. “Don’t fear the police. Whether you have papers or you don’t, our job is not to apply immigration law. Our job is your protection and your well-being.”
Arguelles remains in the Miami-Dade County Jail without bond as the case moves forward.
Authorities are encouraging anyone experiencing domestic violence to contact law enforcement or a local domestic violence organization for help.
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