The Sierra Vista Police Department arrested Joel Zubiate, who was found hiding in his ex-girlfriend’s residence on Monday morning on charges that include aggravated domestic violence, attempted second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
According to Sierra Vista Police, Zubiate, age 42, was reported for approaching his ex-girlfriend outside her residence on Sunday, June 23, and kidnapping her by forcing her inside her home and holding her against her will. He then ransacked the house, put holes in the walls, and attempted to set the house on fire.
The victim reported that Zubiate beat her and strangled her neck before attempting to drown her in a bathtub. She fought him off, kicking him in his eye to escape, and contacted the Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD). Officers located Zubiate in the neighborhood but he fled on foot into the nearby desert and evaded arrest. Zubiate was already being sought by the SVPD for attacking the same victim on May 22.
SVPD officers responded to the victim’s residence just before 8 a.m. on Monday, June 24, for a report that Zubiate had broken into the victim’s home. She had returned home after staying away for a period of time, fearful that Zubiate would invade her home. She had reported that Zubiate had been stalking her for multiple months.
SVPD officers and SWAT members attempted negotiations for about two hours until just before 10 a.m. SVPD negotiators commanded Zubiate to come out peacefully as he was being placed under arrest.
When Zubiate failed to comply with commands, members of the SVPD Tactical Unit began a systematic search of the property and structure with the assistance of an SVPD K-9 unit. A short time later, they discovered Zubiate concealing himself in a crawl space under the residence. He was taken into custody uninjured and without further incident.
Zubiate is charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated domestic violence, domestic violence aggravated assault, domestic violence kidnapping, domestic violence stalking, and arson.
Additionally, in connection to the May 22 incident, Zubiate is charged with aggravated domestic violence, domestic violence assault, domestic violence disorderly conduct, domestic violence interfering with judicial proceeding.
Zubiate is being held at the Cochise County Jail on a $100,000 bond.