Claims of violence trip up firefighter

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - A Bernalillo County firefighter is behind bars accused of going berserk and roughing up his daughter, his dad and then deputies when they arrived at the scene.

This is just the latest in a string of domestic-violence problems for the firefighter, but his bosses didn't even know about it until News 13 told them.

The Bernalillo County Fire Department says Joseph Armenta, 48, has been on the payroll for seven years, but they had no idea he has a history of domestic violence spanning four decades.

Armenta is accused of beating up his adult daughter and then his own father after he stepped in to break things up. When deputies showed up at the South Valley home, they say Armenta hit them, too.

He's in jail now on charged with domestic violence and battery on a peace officer.

One look at online court records and they show Armenta has a history of domestic violence dating back to 1989.

Two years ago he was arrested for hitting his girlfriend in the face. The girlfriend's daughter called police.

Then in April of last year the same girlfriend told police he beat her up after she spilled a soda in his truck. She also said Armenta threatened to "kill her if she had his baby."

She didn't press charges.

This July police were called to Sandia Casino. Surveillance video showed Armenta hit the same girlfriend while they were inside.

Again this year in February the girlfriend called police accusing Armenta of keying her car. This time she told police Armenta threatened to kill her if he lost his job with the county because of their fights.

The county did not want to comment on the case except to say firefighters are on the honor system, so they're supposed to tell their bosses when they get into trouble.

Armenta is now on paid suspension. The county says it's reviewing his case.