Michigan man on parole for domestic violence arrested after ramming into ex-girlfriend's car with 3 children inside

(WWJ) — A Northern Michigan man with multiple prior domestic violence convictions has been arrested after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Rafael Diego Rocha of Traverse City is being held on $100,000, accused of assault with a dangerous weapon.

The incident happened early Monday evening, according to Michigan State Police, when Benzie County Central Dispatch reported an assault in progress.

The suspect — who was on parole for domestic violence, third offense — was said to be ramming his car into his ex-girlfriend’s car as they were driving down the road.

Three small children were inside the woman’s car at the time of the incident, according to MSP.

Troopers from the MSP Traverse City Post responded to the location and the suspect fled the scene. Troopers broadcasted a multi-county BOL for the suspect and coordinated with local law enforcement units to “intercept the suspect.”

Troopers asked the victim to call Rocha and ask him to meet her at a local gas station. A short time later he was seen driving towards the gas station and troopers and deputies from the Grand Traverse County and Benzie County Sheriff’s Office stopped the car.

Rocha was arrested and taken to the Grand Traverse County Jail. He was arraigned Thursday on four counts of assault with a deadly weapon and habitual offender third. He remained held at the jail, as of Thursday afternoon.

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