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WEST JORDAN -- Police were asking for the public's help Friday in finding a man wanted for allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend's house and attacking her in front of her children.
Investigators say Aaron Amy Ames has been getting more violent with each encounter with his former girlfriend.
"We just really need to get this guy," said West Jordan Police Sgt. Drew Sanders. "His violence is increasing."
Ames currently has a $250,000 warrant out for his arrest for aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, unlawful detention, criminal mischief, assault and interruption of a communication device.
Police say there is evidence to suggest that Ames broke into the woman's house on Monday when she wasn't home, and then lived there until the woman and her two daughters returned home two days later.
When the victim saw Ames, she tried to call police, but he took away the phone, Sanders said. He then choked the woman "while making death threats toward both her and her children."
The woman's daughters, ages 6 and 1, were able to flee the house to a neighbor's residence where they called 911. Ames, fearing that police were on their way after the children left, ran out the door, Sanders said.
The woman suffered bruising but did not require any medical attention, Sanders said.
Over the past two months, investigators say Ames has either assaulted his ex-girlfriend or caused property damage, such as breaking her car windshield, on at least four different occasions.
In 1999, Ames was convicted of burglary and aggravated assault and sentenced to up to five years in prison, according to court records. In 2000, Ames was convicted of drug possession, attempted tampering with evidence and attempted possession of a handgun. He was sentenced again to up to five years in prison, according to court records. In 2004, he was convicted of an amended charge of attempted drug possession and sentenced to up to a year in prison.
In 2005, Ames was found guilty of escaping from custody and child endangerment and again sentenced to up to five years in the state prison, according to Utah court records.
Ames is a Hispanic male, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He has multiple tattoos on his hands, arms and stomach, according to police.
Anyone with information on Ames can call police at 801-256-2000.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
