Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Moises Ramiro Lopez-Zenteno, 36, was arrested yesterday for allegedly hitting his girlfriend and threatening her with a knife.

At approximately 11:50 p.m. on September 27, an officer from the Gainesville Police Department arrived at Bella Vista Village (110 NW 39th Avenue), where the victim reported having an argument with Lopez-Zenteno. She explained that as she returned home from visiting a neighbor, he pulled her inside by her shirt.

Once inside, the argument continued, during which the victim claimed Lopez-Zenteno broke a mirror, attempted to force her to drink from a full beer bottle, and slapped her.

The victim mentioned that after Lopez-Zenteno went to the kitchen, she took the opportunity to run outside to her neighbor’s house. However, Lopez-Zenteno followed, brandishing a raised knife. The neighbor dialed 911, prompting Lopez-Zenteno to retreat indoors.

A witness reportedly informed the officer that he observed Lopez-Zenteno pulling the victim into the house. Shortly after, they both exited the house, with Lopez-Zenteno holding a knife aloft.

The deputy reported that the victim’s cheek was visibly red.

Following a Miranda warning, Lopez-Zenteno allegedly claimed he never laid hands on the victim but later stated she attacked him, and he pushed her face in self-defense. He reportedly mentioned using the knife to open a beer bottle and denied any intention to frighten the victim with it.

Lopez-Zenteno, identified by his Mexican ID, faces charges of domestic aggravated assault and domestic battery. He has a misdemeanor conviction from 2024 for driving without a valid license. Judge Jonathan Ramsey has set his bail at $30,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.