SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint resident has pleaded guilty to abuse and witness intimidation charges stemming from an April incident.  

Tyler Ray Byrd, 30, was charged with attempted strangulation, attempted robbery, witness intimidation, violation of a no contact order and being a persistent violator. As part of a plea agreement, the attempted robbery and persistent violator charges were dismissed.  

As part of the pretrial settlement, the prosecutor recommended seven years in jail but agreed to open recommendations from the defense council.  

When admitting guilt for attempted strangulation, Byrd described the incident to the court, using a tone suggesting the physical altercation was mutual between him and the victim. He also shared his guilt to trying to convince the individual involved in the incident to not testify, stating that he “was just scared.” 

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

Documents indicate the officer reported that the woman had cut marks on her left hand, neck discoloration and what appeared to be fresh bruises on the sides of her neck. They also noted red marks under the woman’s chin and throat area.   

After officers interviewed the victim, records indicate that Byrd was contacted and asked 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.