Swampscott man arrested for attempted murder

SWAMPSCOTT – A domestic violence incident turned even uglier Wednesday night inside a Greenway home, where a man allegedly strangled his girlfriend.Antonio Franco, 48, of 33 The Greenway, Swampscott, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, domestic assault and battery and threatening to commit a crime.Police were called to the home around 11:30 p.m. after an argument allegedly escalated.The victim initially denied any violence took place, police said. Later, officers observed red marks around her neck and the victim admitted that Franco had put his hands around her throat, according to police.After she allegedly called police during a heated argument, Franco placed his hands around her throat and said, “I’ll make you pay” for calling police.The victim said her relationship with Franco was strained over financial issues, mental health issues and issues of trust, according to police.Franco was arraigned Thursday in Lynn District Court, where Judge Ellen Flatley ordered him held without bail until a dangerousness hearing on July 24.