Attempted murder suspect makes first court appearance

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A Calexico man accused of attempted murder and who was arrested Monday night had his first court appearance.

33-year-old Gustavo Alejandro Ortiz pleaded not guilty after his girlfriend claimed he strangled and pointed a handgun at her back in February.

Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez explains what could happen to a defendent who hides from law enforcement:

"There aren't really more consequences if they're going to be found guilty, but it could show the judge that the purpose of releasing him or for setting the amount of bail it could show a flight risk...so the judge can increase the amount of bail if they feel the suspect is a flight risk."

A bail amount was also set at $2 million, and Ortiz is facing one count of attempted murder.

There is also a prior charge of assault with a deadly weapon.