Arizona House Democratic Minority Leader, Rebecca Rios, allegedly assaulted by husband

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A valley man, 46-year-old Vandon Jenerette, is in custody tonight after allegedly assaulting his wife: Democratic Minority Leader, Rebecca Rios.

Phoenix Police say just before 6:00 p.m. last night, they responded to a call at a South Phoenix home near Baseline Road and 32nd Street.

Rios told police that her husband had refused to let her leave the house, and the two got into a fight. Police say Rios sustained injuries.

Rios was elected in 2014 to represent State District 27, which includes Guadalupe and parts of Laveen, south Phoenix, and central Phoenix. Rios has served in both the Arizona House and Senate for five years each.

She's also the daughter of a former Arizona State Senator.

Fox 10 contacted Rios' office, and were told she wasn't available for comment.

Her attorney, Sharon Ng, shared a statement with Fox 10, "This is a very personal matter. Ms. Rios has no comment at this time. She would appreciate respect for her privacy."

According to the Arizona State Legislature website, she's a mother of three.

UPDATE: On October 1, 2019, officials with the city of Phoenix provided information about the case. On April 11, 2017, Jenerette was arrested and issued a citation. He was charged with three misdemeanor violations of assault, unlawful imprisonment, and preventing cell phone use during an emergency. The violations were marked as domestic violence. On July 31, 2017, he signed a plea agreement that covered the misdemeanors and an additional count of assault. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Mr. Jenerette completed the Veterans Court Diversion Program, and the charges were dismissed on February 8, 2018.