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Husband of Arizona legislator accused of assaulting his wife

Posted at 5:49 PM, Apr 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-12 22:28:57-04

Authorities say the husband of Arizona House Minority Leader Rep. Rebecca Rios has been arrested for allegedly assaulting her.

Phoenix police say 47-year-old Vandon Jenerette is facing misdemeanor charges of assault, unlawful imprisonment and preventing cell phone use during an emergency.

It was unclear Wednesday if Jenerette has a lawyer yet.

Officers responded to reports of a family fight at a residence about 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say Rios told officers that her husband refused to let her leave the home.

They also reported seeing injuries that were consistent with Rios' report of assault.

ABC15 reached out to Rios' office for a comment regarding the situation:

This is a personal matter. Mrs. Rios does not have a comment at this time. She asks for respect for her privacy. 

Rios, a Democrat, was elected in 2014 to represent state District 27 which covers Guadalupe and parts of Laveen, south Phoenix and central Phoenix.