A 56-year-old man arrested Thursday is accused of repeatedly attacking the same woman over several days, including strangling her until she lost consciousness, threatening her with a knife, sexually assaulting her, and later returning to tie her up and strangle her again, Fresno police told GV Wire.

Robert Arias, of Fresno, faces multiple charges, including torture, sexual battery, corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, false imprisonment with violence, assault likely to cause great bodily injury, first-degree burglary, criminal threats, and violating a protective order, according to Fresno County Jail records.

The records list bail amounts totaling $675,000.

Suspect Ignores Protective Order After Jail Release

Police said the series of incidents began after Arias was released from jail.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, Arias allegedly called the victim despite a criminal protective order barring the contact.

The following day, police said Arias gained access to the woman’s residence. The woman initially allowed him to stay because she believed he was there only to collect his belongings, according to police.

Arias instead remained at the home and became increasingly aggressive, police said. The woman told investigators she believed Arias was under the influence of methamphetamine based on his behavior, his history of methamphetamine use, and statements he made to her.

During the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 17, Arias allegedly pushed the woman onto a toilet seat and strangled her with his hands. Police said she reported losing consciousness multiple times.

During the attack, Arias allegedly pulled out a folding knife and held it against the woman’s face and neck, police said. They also said Arias motioned the knife across her throat in a slicing fashion.

The woman told investigators she was unable to leave or escape because of Arias’ actions and intimidation.

Later that evening, Arias allegedly forced his way into the woman’s bedroom and sexually assaulted her despite her repeated verbal objections and physical resistance, police said.

Police said Arias continued engaging in unwanted sexual conduct Sunday by requesting sexual acts from the woman.

The woman sustained visible bruising and redness to her neck, arms, and head during the incidents, according to police.

Police Say Arias Returned Days Later

At about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, Arias allegedly entered the same woman’s residence again. Police said investigators do not know how he entered.

Arias allegedly took the woman’s cellphone, waking her. Police said he then attempted to tie her wrists and ankles as she resisted.

He allegedly punched the woman, causing her to “see stars,” before tying her ankles.

Once they were on the floor, Arias allegedly began choking and strangling her, causing her to lose consciousness several times and leaving visible injuries around her neck, police said.

The woman told investigators she did not know how many times she lost consciousness.

Each time she passed out, Arias allegedly blew in her face and attempted to revive her. Once she regained consciousness, police said, he resumed strangling her while she remained tied up.

Arias eventually stopped and allowed the woman to get their son ready for school, police said. He also allegedly threatened to kill her.

Before leaving, Arias allegedly stole two of the woman’s cellphones and $110.

Arias was arrested Thursday and booked into the Fresno County Jail.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.