BY GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — After arresting the wrong man for a gas station assault two weeks ago, police are convinced they now have the right man.
Nicholas Gobiel, 23, of Lynn, was charged with assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and mayhem on Friday. He was arraigned in Lynn District Court and is held without bail, pending a dangerousness hearing on Thursday.
“We’re confident that we have the right guy,” said Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly.
The victim, a 34-year-old Lowell man, initially told police the assault occurred at the Lynnway Shell gas station, but later said it took place at Spiro’s Energy, across the street. After the initial arrest was made, the victim told police that they had arrested the wrong person. Police then called the Essex County District Attorney’s office, relayed the information and the initial suspect was released, Donnelly said.
Gobiel was identified through surveillance video.
He allegedly slashed the victim repeatedly with a box cutter at the gas station after screaming at him that he parked too close to his vehicle while he was pumping gas. The victim told police that the suspect, identified as Gobiel, hit him in the face with the razor, and cut him in the arm and back as he fled, according to court documents.
The victim was treated at Brigham & Women’s Hospital for non life-threatening injuries. They included a severe laceration on his face. The wound went through his tissue and stretched from his left ear lobe to his bottom lip. His right arm also had a small laceration and his back had one deep enough to reveal white, fatty tissue, according to court documents.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.
