LOGAN — A 31-year-old Logan man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a roommate’s bedroom, climbing on top of her in bed, and attempting to strangle her, according to law enforcement. Luis Lapa Alcantara was booked Wednesday into the Cache County Jail following an investigation into the alleged domestic dispute last fall.
According to the probable cause affidavit, at approximately 2 a.m. on Sept. 30, 2024, Logan City Police officers responded to a residence where the alleged victim told police her roommate, Lapa Alcantara, had attempted to strangle her.
The woman was transported to the hospital, where medical staff observed bruising on her side and arm. They also conducted a strangulation kit and swabbed the bruised areas. None of the swabs matched Lapa Alcantara’s DNA.
While interviewing the alleged victim on Oct. 25, 2024, the woman told police that Lapa Alcantara had been abusive dating back to June of 2022, when he allegedly pinned her down and raped her, the arrest affidavit detailed.
The woman claimed she screamed and bite the suspect, in an attempt to defend herself. Lapa Alcantara’s cousin and father eventually entered the room and pulled him off of her, but told her if she ever reported the incident to law enforcement, they would hurt her and her family.
Following the September 2024 incident, the victim claimed Lapa Alcantara forced her to go to a friend or family member’s ranch in Idaho, where he threatened to kill her. He would also send threatening messages through Facebook and WhatsApp, according to court paperwork.
Police questioned Lapa Alcantara late on the evening of June 10. He initially denied the allegations, claiming he and the alleged victim had been dating for several years, immigrating to the United States from Peru. He described how the woman often asked him for money.
Lapa Alcantara reportedly told police, the alleged victim was mistaken, regarding the reported assaults and rape, saying he was trying to defend himself from her or she was being dramatic. He also blamed the bruises on her body from her job.
According to court records, Lapa Alcantara has been charged in Logan’s 1st District Court with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony; two counts of tampering with a witness, aggravated assault, stalking and violating a court order, all third-degree felonies. He is being held on an immigration hold, and is scheduled to appear in court June 18.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.