West Covina Assemblyman Ordered To Stay Away From Wife, Baldwin Park Councilwoman
WEST COVINA (CBSLA.com) — Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, who is running for Congress, has been ordered to stay away from his estranged wife, a Baldwin Park City Council member, after allegations of abuse.
A temporary restraining order was issued Wednesday, requiring Hernandez (D-West Covina) to have no contact with Councilwoman Susan Rubio, whom he is divorcing, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Married in 2013, the couple began divorce proceedings last year.
According to the newspaper, Rubio accused Hernandez of "pushing, shoving, hitting and choking" her during their marriage in a declaration seeking the stay-away order and that he came "aggressively towards her" and began shouting in her face after an April 5 divorce hearing.
"I was frozen and not able to react," she stated, noting that her attorney blocked Hernandez from moving closer.
Rubio said the act was "extremely frightening" and gave her "flashbacks" of the violence during her marriage, so she decided to seek the restraining order, according to court documents.
Rubio also alleges in her declaration that she was "physically attacked, assaulted, battered, and suffered injuries." She attached several photos, including one of a bruised and scratched left arm. She also accused Hernandez of damaging "numerous items of personal property in his violent and out-of-control anger."
Under the order issued Wednesday, Hernandez is required to stay 100 yards away from Rubio, her home, her workplace and her vehicle. The order remains in effect until a May 4 hearing before their divorce court judge.
Hernandez, who has served in the Assembly since 2010, is challenging Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) for her 32nd Congressional District seat.
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