Man charged with assault, witness intimidation in Lynn

LYNN – A judge ordered a Dorchester man held without bail after police said the defendant strangled his child’s mother on the street and then threatened to burn down the shelter where she and the child lived.Luis Viaud, 24, of 383 Talbot Ave. #2, Dorchester, was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a family/household member; and, on a separate case, with witness intimidation; and threat to commit a crime.He was arraigned on each docket Thursday in Lynn District Court where a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.Police responded at 2:05 p.m. Aug. 24 to a group home for single mothers where an employee told police an argument between Viaud and the alleged victim “was becoming too heated,” Lynn Police Officer John Mackin wrote in a report.The alleged victim told officers Viaud had showed up to the home drunk and asking for money, police said. The two began arguing while walking down the street, and Viaud allegedly grabbed the alleged victim by the neck and started swearing at her.Viaud allegedly let go of the woman and then walked away.Police said the alleged victim had no obvious injuries, and officers could not immediately find Viaud in the area.But police reported that four days later, Viaud contacted the alleged victim after learning he was wanted on a warrant.”(The alleged victim) stated that Viaud told her that he was on his way to Lynn and if he was arrested that he was going to hurt her and burn the shelter where she and her son were staying,” police said.Viaud turned himself in to police later that day, police said.Essex Assistant District Attorney Aimee Conway requested Thursday that Viaud be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. She also requested that any conditions of release include that Viaud abide by a restraining order filed on the basis of the allegations.”(The defendant) put her in fear for her safety, the safety of her child, and the safety of other people staying there at the time.”Public defender Alice Jayne said Viaud “flatly denied” the allegations but requested a continuance to prepare for the hearing. Jayne also requested Viaud be allowed to see his child.Judge Cathleen Campbell ordered Viaud held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Thursday. She also awarded custody of the child to the alleged victim, ordering that Viaud could only see the child with approval from the Department of Children and Families.