PHOENIX — A Phoenix man with a violent criminal history is back in jail after allegedly violating an order of protection, with his first court appearance turning chaotic and ending with him being tased.
Background
Police say that in June, 33-year-old Andorfo Vargas threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, making several calls and sending texts to her, her mother, and her brother. The couple had a documented history of domestic violence, and Vargas had previously served time in prison.
Court records show the woman obtained an order of protection in June. Glendale Police allege Vargas broke that order three weeks later by sending threatening messages and making phone calls to her and her family.
Investigators say Vargas also changed his Facebook profile photo to one showing him in a ballistic vest with ammunition and crashed his truck into his ex-girlfriend’s garage door.
He was arrested on Wednesday, July 30, after initially telling police he would turn himself in but failing to do so.
What happened in court
During his court appearance, Vargas claimed he didn’t understand the restraining order’s terms.
“I do have a learning disability. It’s documented. I was not aware of how a restraining order works,” Vargas told the court. “I’m not a violent person. I’m a mouthy person, I will say that, but I am not a physically violent person.”
Presiding Judge Jerry Bernstein responded, “Order of Protections are not difficult to read. It says no contact. You made threats to more than one person, including the victim. You also kept referring to ‘you got better armor,’ took pictures of you with armor, saying you had better armor there. You wanted to have a suicide by cop. These are very serious situations.”
“That Facebook’s not mine, by the way. The body armor,” Vargas replied.
The judge then set a $100,000 cash bond, telling Vargas he was in “a very serious situation.”
Vargas reacted angrily: “What? For what? No, [expletive] that. I’m not going nowhere.”
As detention officers escorted him out, Vargas shouted, “I don’t have a right to freedom of speech? Get your [expletive] hands off me! No, I’m not going nowhere. This is [expletive]. I didn’t do nothing.” Moments later, a detention officer deployed a taser. The commotion continued off-camera, but could be heard in court video.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Vargas was handcuffed and removed from the courtroom.
What’s next
Vargas now faces seven charges, including aggravated harassment, criminal damage, and failing to comply with a court order.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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