Local man gets 10 months in jail for assault on officer

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

NORTHAMPTON - A local man was sentenced to 10 months in jail Friday after pleading guilty in Northampton District Court to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and trespassing.

According to court documents, on Oct. 3, 2008, officers Michael Briggs and Joseph Golec responded to Liquors 44 on Russell Street in Hadley for a report of a man harassing and yelling at the store's customers. Upon their arrival, they reportedly found James E. Freund, 55, whose address was listed as streets of Northampton, near the entrance to a nearby bike path. Freund appeared to be very agitated, police reported, and a strong smell of alcohol was detected on his breath.

After issuing Freund a citation for trespassing, Briggs and Golec reportedly asked him to leave the liquor store's parking lot.

After he continually refused, the officers attempted to arrest Freund for disorderly conduct and he became combative and repeatedly kicked officer Golec, striking him once in the face. Officer Briggs then reportedly used pepper spray to control Freund, who continued to be uncooperative throughout the booking process.