SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint resident is set to be arraigned May 13 on charges relating to a domestic battery incident.  

Tyler Byrd, 30, was arrested April 2 on charges of attempted strangulation, attempted robbery, intimidating or preventing the attendance of a witness and violating a no contact order. He is being held at Bonner County Jail on a $75,000 bond. 

Byrd appeared in court via Zoom from Bonner County Jail on April 18 for a preliminary hearing, where he waived the hearing and was bound over to District Court.  

A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to move forward with the case. The hearing can provide the defendant with a brief preview of the prosecution’s case. Waiving a preliminary hearing has the same result as a judge ruling there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.  

According to a probable cause affidavit, Sandpoint Police Department officials became aware of the alleged abuse when the victim called 911 after the alleged battery. When questioned about the incident, the victim told city officials that Byrd was “trying to strangle her” to get keys out of her hand.  

Court documents indicate that Byrd and the victim were arguing throughout the day before it allegedly got physical. 

The respondent to the case reported that the victim had cut marks on her left hand, neck discoloration and what appeared to be fresh bruises on the sides of her neck. The official also noted red marks under her chin and throat area.  

After officials interviewed the victim, records indicate that Byrd was contacted and questioned for his side of the story. According to a probable cause affidavit, Byrd told officials that he was trying to “walk away from the situation” after it escalated. When asked if the argument got physical, Byrd said “no ... I’m positive.”  

Byrd was arrested later that morning. While in jail, a criminal complaint indicates that Byrd attempted to contact the victim using a third-party in an effort to encourage her not to testify.  

If convicted of all charges, Byrd could potentially face up to 36 years in jail and/or a $126,000 fine.