OREM, Utah, April 30, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — An Orem man was arrested Monday following the alleged aggravated assault of his pregnant girlfriend.
A probable cause statement from Utah County said Jett Taia Tumanuvao, 23, is facing charges of aggravated assault producing a loss of consciousness, a second-degree felony; domestic violence in the presence of a child, a third-degree felony; and failure to disclose identity, a class B misdemeanor.
The arresting officer went to an an address in Orem to meet with a victim reporting an assault. The victim was at a family member’s house. The victim said she and her boyfriend, Tumanuvao, had gotten into an argument that night at about 11 p.m. Tumanuvao has been living with her at her apartment for about a month, the statement said.
Tumanuvao has partial custody of his 1-year-old son, and the son also lives at the apartment part-time. Tumanuvao’s girlfriend is also about two months pregnant with his child, which he is aware of.
“The victim stated that Jett went outside to smoke a cigarette around the time of the incident and she followed him outside,” the statement said. “At this point, Jett’s son was asleep in their bedroom at the location. Jett began asking the victim questions about the past that were making her frustrated. She told him that she did not want to talk about it several times, and after he kept asking, she went inside and began playing on her phone.”
The victim stated that shortly after she came inside, Tumanuvao entered the apartment and began questioning her further, the statement said. She said that she ignored him and continued to look at her phone. At this point, the victim said that he hit the left side of her face in an attempt to take her phone from her. Tumanuvao took her phone from her, and their arguing continued.
“Frustrated with the situation, and seeing that the argument was escalating, the victim started to put her shoes on in their bedroom, where the son was sleeping,” the statement said. “The victim planned to leave the apartment to cool off. While standing up and putting on her shoes, Jett tackled the victim to the ground, wrapping his arm around her neck.”
The victim stated that he had her in a headlock, and that it impeded her airway for what she estimated for longer than 20 seconds and shorter than one minute. Tumanuvao then reportedly shoved the victim into the ground and punched the back of her head as he was getting up.
Tumanuvao’s son was awakened by the assault, which occurred near where he was sleeping, and he began crying. The victim consoled the baby, and then put him back to sleep. At this time, the was able to leave the home and run to a nearby Taco Bell to get WiFi, the statement said.
She then called family to come pick her up, and she was taken to an address in Orem, where she met with officers. The victim messaged Tumanuvao’s ex-wife and advised her that she needed to go pick up the son from her home because of the incident. It was confirmed that the son’s biological mother picked the son up prior to officers arriving at the home.
When the arresting officer was speaking with the victim, Tumanuvao continued to message her stating:
- “Why can’t we just be chill for once.”
- “I’m gunna go home and take all those bars.”
- “Have a great night. Hopefully I’m dead in the morning and all your problems will just disappear.”
- “I love you but you never loved me.”
- “I’m just an idiot for thinking you could change.”
- “I don’t care anymore, do what you want, you clearly don’t give a rat’s ass about me.”
- “I could be in the gutter dead and you wouldn’t shed one tear I bet.”
- “God I wish I had the balls to just end my shit.”
- “You called the cops on me. Wow they are coming up on me now. I can’t believe you.”
Officers were able to locate Tumanuvao a short distance away from the victim’s apartment, the statement said. Tumanuvao was wearing the clothing description given to officers. When approached and asked for identification, the suspect refused.
The officer advised Tumanuvao that officials were investigating an aggravated assault and that he was required by law to identify himself. Tumanuvao still denied, saying he didn’t have to ID himself. The officer asked several times, and even advised him that if he didn’t give his name, he would be charged with failure to identify; he still did not comply.
“At this time, the officer detained Tumanuvao, and while this was happening, the suspect said “that he was the person we were looking for so it didn’t matter if he gave his name,” the statement said.
Tumanuvao was advised that he was under arrest for aggravated assault against the victim.
“The suspect adamantly denied charges, stating he couldn’t believe she would do this to him, especially since he is already dealing with other domestic violence charges in other courts,” the statement said. “He asked several times to speak with the victim, and was advised several times that it would not be facilitated.”
Tumanuvao has been involved in multiple domestic violence cases involving his ex-wife, officials said. The pregnant victim also stated that this was not the first time he had put his hands on her. She said he has hit her previously and that it has happened often.
While inspecting the pregnant victim for wounds, the arresting officer found a mark on her neck that looked to be a consistent with her description of the choking.
Tumanuvao was transported to the Utah County Jail, with his bail set at $15,000. No contact orders will be put in place for both victims of this case for their safety, the statement said.
