Mendocino County Man Arrested for Alleged Assault with Firearm, Grand Theft
A Mendocino County man has been arrested in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident this week in the Potter Valley area.
According to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 20, to a report of a possible theft. At the scene, the victim told deputies that there had been an argument between her and her partner, whom the Sheriff’s Office identified as Mark Edward Anastasiou, 55.
During the argument, Anastasiou allegedly took the victim’s firearm, which was loaded, and pointed it at her face. He then allegedly stole several of her belongings at gunpoint, including her phone.
When they searched the area, deputies reportedly found Anastasiou sitting in his vehicle, with a glass methamphetamine smoking pipe allegedly in plain view. Deputies searched the vehicle and reportedly located the victim’s firearm and phone.
Deputies also reportedly determined that Anastasiou was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Anastasiou was ultimately arrested on suspicion of assault with a firearm, robbery, grand theft of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm while not the registered owner, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was booked at the Mendocino County jail on $150,000 bond, the Sheriff’s Office said.
