La Grande man arrested after brutal domestic violence allegations
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — A La Grande man faces multiple charges after an alleged violent domestic assault.
La Grande Police say that January 19 at 5:59 PM, officers responded to a distress call at an apartment on Fir Street concerning a domestic disturbance. The responding officers contacted the female caller, identified as Michael Lyda’s significant other, who reported a harrowing incident.
The victim told police that a verbal altercation between Lyda and his significant other had escalated into a violent encounter. Lyda allegedly threatened to kill her and physically assaulted her by repeatedly striking her in the face, resulting in multiple injuries. Police say Lyda also reportedly strangled her, preventing her from breathing.
During the altercation, Lyda purportedly locked the victim inside the apartment, making threats that he would kill her if she tried to talk to “anyone.” She was able to escape when he went into the bedroom and started to pack some belongings. Seizing the opportunity, she fled to another apartment and called 911. Lyda had left the scene by the time law enforcement arrived.
On January 22, officers located Lyda at the Flying J and apprehended him without further incident. He is now in custody and charged with Assault, Strangulation, Coercion, and Interfering with Making a Report.
Police say alcohol is believed to have played a contributing role in the incident.
