The third-degree assault case against Robert Argazzi, a prominent local Republican and father of Councilman Paul C. Argazzi, was ordered continued Friday until mid-March, a delay that Argazzi’s attorney says will allow the parties involved to “cool down.”
Robert Argazzi appeared in Superior Court in New Britain and agreed to have no contact with David Martin, a fellow Republican whom Argazzi is accused of assaulting during a post-election GOP party at the Spartan Club on High Street. Argazzi is due back in court March 17.
Martin McQuillan, Argazzi’s lawyer, said the continuance would allow the emotional situation to “cool down.” McQuillan said he believed that “all parties involved want this to go away.”
“My understanding is that as long as my client doesn’t bother the complainant, that [Martin] doesn’t want it pursued,” McQuillan said.
McQuillan described the situation as unfortunate and said he believed the court would be lenient on his client because Argazzi, 67, has no criminal history and was once very involved in his community.
The violent incident occurred Nov. 8 after Republicans learned they had been defeated and Martin argued with Paul Argazzi over the results, according to an arrest affidavit. Robert Argazzi then stepped in the middle of the dispute and assaulted Martin, the affidavit states.
Martin told police that Argazzi grabbed him by the throat and threatened to kill him. Martin could feel Argazzi squeezing his voice box and twisting his windpipe, according to the affidavit.
Craig Lentini, a Republican defeated in the council election, eventually broke up the fight, the affidavit states. Lentini told police he heard tables and chairs being banged together and saw Argazzi “clutching” Martin’s throat. Lentini said that he then put an arm between the men to separate them.
According to the affidavit, Argazzi told police that Martin was irritating people with comments about the election. He said he saw Martin and his son arguing and stepped in to ask Martin to leave. He at first told police he led Martin to the door, but then admitted that he pushed Martin out.
Paul Argazzi told police that Martin insulted his wife, according to the affidavit. He said he did not see what happened between his father and Martin because he was being taken away from Martin.
