Trial reset in aggravated assault case

SANDPOINT — The trial for a Sandpoint resident facing aggravated battery and assault charges has been vacated.

Michael Anthony Luciano, 33, faces felony charges for aggravated battery, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and a persistent violator enhancement.

The charges stem from a January incident when a neighbor called dispatch to report a lot of slamming and “things getting thrown around.” The caller was worried someone may get hurt, according to court documents.

When Sandpoint Police arrived, they were told Luciano had fled the scene. According to the alleged victim, Luciano attacked her, threw her against a wall, kicked her repeatedly, tried to tie her up, and threatened her with a knife.

According to court documents, officers said bruising was seen on her legs, back, arms, and neck. The responding officer recovered a hammer and rope at the scene. According to an affidavit from a responding officer, an abrasion on the victim’s arm appeared to match the rope recovered at the scene.

The alleged victim also showed the officer the sheath of the knife Luciano allegedly threatened her with. The officer said in the affidavit he was told by the woman that Luciano had “got in her face” while holding the knife in his right hand. The woman told officers that she feared for her life, according to court documents.

Upon leaving the residence, the officers found Luciano, who told officers that he was the real victim and was the one who had been assaulted.

The defendant told officers the woman had hit him and slapped him in the head and upper body several times. According to court documents, the officer said he inspected Luciano’s head but “did not see any injuries consistent with his claims.”

Luciano had been set to go to jury trial on Aug. 15, but it was vacated for a future date.