NORTHAMPTON – A city man has been accused of drawing a knife on a bouncer at the World War II Club Saturday night, police said.
Radu Chereches, 52, attempted to enter the back room of the club, located at 50 Conz St., where a dance party was ongoing around 10 p.m., police said. Police allege that Chereches tried to enter and, when told by a bouncer that there was a cover charge became angry, yelling and bumping into the bouncer.
Chereches then allegedly pulled out a six-inch knife and displayed it to the bouncer, after which the bouncer took him to the ground, police said.
Police wrote in a Facebook post that a staff member was seen restraining Chereches on the floor, and that Chereches was yelling and “actively resisting.” The staff person allegedly told police that the person had a knife, but that he did not know where it had gone.
Officers handcuffed Chereches, after which police said a knife was found on the floor where the man had been and taken as evidence.
According to a police narrative in court records, the knife Chereches allegedly brandished was a fillet knife in a nylon sheath. Police also allege in the documents that Chereches attempted to open a Leatherman, or multi-tool, which was found on his person.
Chereches was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Northampton District Court on Tuesday, and his bail was set at $1,000 without prejudice with the condition that he stay away from the World War II Club. Chereches was also ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
Chereches’ next scheduled court appearance is June 4, for a pre-trial hearing.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.