The domestic violence was reported July 4 in the 100 block of South Terra Cotta Road, near Broadway Street, in Lake Elsinore.
A convicted felon who severely beat his girlfriend at her Lake Elsinore residence, then barricaded himself in the home, culminating in a standoff with sheriff’s deputies, pleaded guilty Thursday to domestic violence.
Raul Benjamin Salas, 41, of Ontario admitted the felony count under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admission, prosecutors agreed to drop a charge of assault resulting in great bodily injury against Salas.
Superior Court Judge Jeff Zimel scheduled a sentencing hearing for Aug. 15 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. The judge indicated a prospective sentence of two years in state prison.
The defendant is being held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Dan Flores, around 2 p.m. on July 4, Salas was involved in an unspecified dispute with his girlfriend, whose identity was not disclosed, at her house in the 100 block of South Terra Cotta Road, near Broadway Street.
The defendant turned physical, inflicting “significant injuries during the assault,” Flores said.
Deputies were called to the location and discovered Salas had fled in the victim’s car, according to the sergeant. A search for the vehicle was unsuccessful.
Shortly after 6 a.m. on July 5, Salas returned, and “he barricaded inside of the residence,” Flores said.
The victim was apparently away receiving medical attention.
Deputies went to the property, summoning SWAT personnel to surround it. The ensuing standoff lasted nearly two hours before Salas surrendered peacefully, according to Flores.
Court records show the defendant has documented prior convictions for possession of controlled substances, driving under the influence, evading a peace officer and check fraud.
