EASTHAMPTON — A local man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of attempted murder, witness intimidation, strangulation, assault and battery and disorderly conduct stemming from a New Year’s Eve fight.
Albert Gyeidu, 28, is accused of choking and threatening to kill another man in the area of Ferry Street just after 1 a.m. Dec. 31.
Officer Justin M. Malinowski said he was on patrol in the area when he saw a struggle between two men on the ground. A man, later identified as Gyeidu, had another man in a headlock, choking him, according to a police report.
The man, Edwardo Vega, 33, called to the officer to help in a “hoarse” voice, police said. Malinowski stated he shouted for Gyeidu to stop as he approached the two men.
“You’re lucky (the officer) showed up,” Gyeidu said to Vega, according to the report. “I was going to kill you.”
Malinowski called for backup after placing Gyeidu in handcuffs. Gyeidu made it clear he objected to what Vega had been saying, according to police.
Police learned that the two men were walking back from the American Legion post on Pleasant Street when they got into an argument. Vega told authorities he tried to run from Gyeidu, but tripped on his shoelaces, police said. That’s when Gyeidu mounted him, placed him in a headlock and attempted to strangle him, according to the report.
Vega later told police he was unsure of what he said or did that upset Gyeidu. He told authorities he was in the chokehold for about one minute.
“I thought he was going to kill me,” Vega said, according to the report.
Gyeidu is due back in Northampton District Court Feb. 7.
Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com.