MALDEN, Mass. — A Stoneham man accused of assaulting and strangling his girlfriend is being held without bail after a court hearing Monday morning.
James Armato, 27, appeared in Malden District Court on charges including strangulation, attempted murder, assault and battery on a family member, assault, and resisting arrest.
According to court documents, the couple was on a party bus in Boston celebrating Gina Antonelli's birthday. While they were driving home, the two got into a fight and Armato began choking Antonelli while she was driving, causing her to black out and crash the car.
Eyewitnesses saw the crash and called 911. When the Malden Fire Department arrived, they found Armato choking Antonelli.
Armato allegedly also tried to fight a Malden firefighter during the incident.
In court paperwork, investigators noted Armato has two closed restraining orders and a violent history including four assault and battery and one count of attempted murder.
Antonelli told FOX25 she is still recovering and does not want to do any interviews.
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