Man allegedly punched ex-wife repeatedly, pointed rifle at her
Wei Zhang yells at a reporter to stop taking his photo after a bail hearing yesterday in Superior Court on charges that he repeatedly punched his former wife and pointed a rifle at her after she called the police for assistance. (Ferdie de la Torre)
A man allegedly repeatedly punched his former wife and pointed a rifle at her when she called the police for assistance at her store in Garapan on Friday night.
Wei Zhang, 36, was arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.
At yesterday’s hearing, Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman imposed a $10,000 cash bail and set the preliminary hearing for April 27.
The victim, who owns AJ’s Fashion, told police that Zhang used to beat her up in the past but that she never reported the matter to authorities. She also claimed that although they’re already divorced, Zhang has been trying to control her life by bothering her at her store daily.
Police detective Maverick Saures stated in his report that a police officer responded Friday at 8:22pm to AJ’s Fashion, where a domestic violence incident was reported.
Saures said the officer met the storeowner, who claimed that her former husband, Zhang, punched her in the head.
The victim told the officer that Zhang was still inside the establishment.
The officer proceeded inside and asked Zhang for his identification card. Zhang denied punching the victim.
The victim told the officer to review the surveillance camera’s footage. The officer did so and confirmed that Zhang punched the victim four times in the head.
The footage also showed that after the victim called the police for assistance, Zhang walked back and took what appeared to be a rifle and pointed the weapon at the victim’s head.
The officer then arrested Zhang.
Saures said that in his interview with the victim the following day, she stated that Zhang arrived at the store at 6pm and, as she was talking with some friends, he stood next to her and told her that he was going to throw her things out. An argument ensued and escalated, prompting her friends to leave.
Zhang then allegedly punched her in the head repeatedly. She then called the police.
Saures said he also reviewed the footage that confirmed the victim’s allegations.
The report did not mention whether police recovered the rifle.
How is it Possible that this Chinese guy was able to own a rifle.
Buenas saipan taotaomona,
Rifles, hand guns, and AKs can be obtain in the CNMI, if you are willing to pay the price. We as a society had been in denial that we have a gun problem. Don’t be surprise if guns are being use more often in the future to commit crimes in the CNMI. Chinese Nationals in the CNMI had been known to carry and own hand guns. There is a black market for such item throughout the CNMI and the criminal elements are getting them.
Deport this guy…
Buenas Floyd,
It is sad to say that our “Weapons Control Act” is not as effective as it should be. If you read the Captain’s comment above, his comment is very true. I feel safer in any hood in California than in the CNMI, because at least I can match the aggressor’s or criminal’s fire power in California. But in the CNMI, we are limited to the types of gun we can use to defend ourselves. Also, based on past experience, using high power rifle in close range to defend yourself is not advisable. Stray bullets may hit innocent bystanders plus your intended target (robber, etc.). Just saying.
She is very lucky that he did not shoot her given his violent behavior. He may seek revenge for turning him in.