DANNEMORA — Members of the New York State Police arrested Richard L. Lapier, 56, of Lyon Mountain, on July 11 on charges of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, criminal mischief, and third-degree assault.
At approximately 1:24 p.m. that day, troopers responded to a report of a domestic dispute on Standish Road in the town of Dannemora.
Through their investigation, it was determined that Lapier had become irritated and had instigated a physical altercation with the victim.
At one point, while the victim was on their cell phone, Lapier placed his arm across the victim’s neck, making it difficult for the victim to breathe.
He then took the victim’s phone and prevented them from leaving the room.
Despite the victim’s multiple attempts to exit the room, Lapier refused to let them go and struck the victim twice in the face with a closed fist.
Afterward, Lapier exited the room, damaging the cell phone in the process.
The victim was then able to leave the residence and contact law enforcement.
Lapier was arrested and taken to SP Dannemora for processing.
He was subsequently arraigned in the Town of Dannemora Court and released on his own recognizance.
