ORANGE — An Orange man faces an assault charge after allegedly fighting with a girlfriend over Christmas gifts he bought for his children.
Michael A. Perry, 34, of 176 East Main St., Apartment 1, is charged with one count of assault and battery on a family or household member stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on Dec. 16. He pleaded innocent at his Monday arraignment in Orange District Court and was released on personal recognizance.
According to court documents, Officers Michael LaPointe and James LaFlamme were dispatched to 176 East Main St. at roughly 6 p.m. for a report of a physical altercation between girlfriend and boyfriend. A woman there said her boyfriend had beaten her and fled.
LaFlamme reports being invited into the home by the alleged victim and her father and seeing it in disarray. He saw food scattered across the kitchen floor, Christmas decorations smashed on the dining room floor, a Christmas tree with missing ornaments leaning against a wall.
The victim showed LaFlamme injuries to her legs, knees, arms and head. The victim said Perry had been abusive to her over the previous three days and she had enough. She told LaFlamme she had gotten angry that evening and argued with Perry because he purchased Christmas gifts for his children, though he claimed to not have any money to assist with apartment expenses.
The victim said she took a wrapped Christmas gift and started unwrapping it while taunting Perry, angering him. The victim said Perry grabbed onto her, throwing her into a chair, causing her to strike her head. She said they began throwing items at each other and Perry threw her on top of the kitchen chair, causing her to scrape her knees. She also struck her head on the kitchen chair.
Perry then left the apartment and the victim assumed he was picked up by a friend. She refused medical treatment when an ambulance arrived but was concerned Perry would return to the residence to harm her.
“He will kill me if he finds out that I called the police on him,” LaFlamme reports the victim as saying.
Judge Cathleen Campbell granted an emergency restraining order.
LaFlamme called Perry to ask to speak with him about the incident, but Perry told LaFlamme to contact his attorney. LaFlamme then requested that Perry visit the Orange Police Department. LaFlamme reports Perry said, “I’m an African-American male and that doesn’t mix well with white police officers.”
LaFlamme informed Perry of the restraining order.
The victim gave police locations where they might find Perry. Athol Police made contact with Perry’s friend at the friend’s residence. According to court documents, Perry’s friend was hesitant to allow police into the residence, allowing Perry to escape through a back window. LaFlamme reported a footprint in the snow leading away from the apartment.
Greenfield Police found Perry at his job on the Mohawk Trail at roughly 4 p.m. on Sunday and took him into custody. He was held on $1,000 bail until his arraignment.