Alian Sabala Argüelles, a 32-year-old Cuban residing in Miami, was taken into custody on Monday by the Hialeah Police Department. He faces charges of attempted premeditated murder and domestic violence assault after his partner accused him of physical assault and threatening her with a firearm.
According to the arrest affidavit, an altercation occurred in the early hours of June 22. The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. when the victim, who had been in a relationship with Argüelles for about six years, attempted to end their relationship.
Argüelles allegedly reacted with aggression, repeatedly punching her, pulling out a black gun, placing it against her head, and pulling the trigger. The gun failed to discharge due to a mechanical malfunction, as a round jammed in the ejection port.
The victim seized the moment when Argüelles was fixing the gun's jam to flee and took refuge at her grandmother's apartment a few doors away.
Escape and Continued Threats
A friend assisted the woman in escaping to Ocala. The witness reported seeing fresh bruises on the victim's body and noted her panicked demeanor, fearing Argüelles would find her.
Despite her efforts, Argüelles tracked her down in Ocala and allegedly tried to force her into a car at gunpoint, an incident also reported to the local police.
The victim explained to authorities that she endured the alleged abuse for some time due to fear of approaching the police.
The Arrest and Evidence Found
On Monday, a license plate reader in Hialeah identified a Hyundai Tucson linked to Argüelles, enabling officers to locate and arrest him.
During the search, officers discovered a purple and black pistol loaded with eight rounds, with its serial number listed as lost in police records.
Argüelles was transported to the Hialeah Police headquarters for questioning, where he denied assaulting the woman or pointing a gun at her. He was then moved to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he remains as the judicial process unfolds.
The investigation relies on statements from the victim and the witness, along with video evidence of the injuries provided to detectives.
Police's Message to Immigrant Victims
Eddy Rodríguez, spokesperson for the Hialeah Police, expressed relief that the gun malfunctioned: "Thank God the weapon failed."
He also used the opportunity to speak directly to immigrant victims who might fear reporting abuse due to their immigration status.
"There's no reason to fear the police. Our job isn't to enforce immigration law; it's to ensure their protection and well-being," Rodríguez affirmed.
Recurring Domestic Violence Cases in Miami-Dade
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of domestic violence involving Cuban men in the Miami-Dade area in recent months.
On June 25, just days after Argüelles's attack, Leisnier Mauri García was arrested in Little Havana for allegedly stabbing his partner 34 times after she attempted to end their relationship.
The victim, Heydi Morales, broke her silence on July 15, recounting how her son saved her life by applying pressure to her wounds and contacting the authorities: "I have to survive; I have two children," she stated.
In October 2024, 47-year-old Pedro Núñez, also Cuban, was arrested in Kendall for allegedly shooting his ex-wife multiple times; she survived in critical condition.
Domestic violence often goes unreported in immigrant communities due to fears of immigration repercussions—an issue Hialeah authorities aim to address with messages like Rodríguez's.
Understanding Domestic Violence Cases in Hialeah
What charges is Alian Sabala Argüelles facing?
He is facing charges of attempted premeditated murder and domestic violence assault.
How did the victim manage to escape?
The victim managed to escape when Argüelles was trying to fix a jam in his gun, allowing her to seek refuge at her grandmother's apartment.
What message did the police convey to immigrant victims of violence?
The police assured that their role is not to enforce immigration laws but to protect and ensure the well-being of victims.