No bail for Saugus man in domestic assault, fires

SAUGUS – A Saugus man who allegedly strangled his live-in girlfriend on numerous occasions, broke her finger and set curtains on fire inside their Essex Street apartment has been ordered held without bail until a dangerousness hearing can take place.Keithon Perry, 29, of 212 Essex St. #102, Saugus, was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted murder, arson and three counts of aggravated assault and battery. He is due back in Lynn District Court Jan. 29.According to a police report, Perry strangled his girlfriend about 6 a.m. Monday after he returned home from being out all night. She asked him where he had been, which upset him. The couple had an argument the night before.Police said the strangulation caused visible bruising and cuts around the victim’s neck.Perry allegedly strangled his girlfriend a second time Tuesday morning during an argument and kicked her several times. It was during this incident when Perry allegedly pulled out a lighter and set curtains on fire inside their apartment.The girlfriend managed to put out the small fire before it got out of hand, but while doing so Perry allegedly struck her in the throat, causing her to fall.Perry didn’t leave the home for another four hours. It was then that the victim got the courage to leave and call police.The girlfriend said Perry has been physically and verbally abusive during their entire four-year relationship and even broke her finger during a past assault.