Object of story fights back

[wordsmythe]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/m...rattacked.html

SAN DIEGO – A husband and wife who were apparently caught on tape beating a television reporter pleaded not guilty Tuesday to assault and battery.
Assad “Sam” Suleiman, 36, and his wife, Rosa Barraza, 33, were arrested Sept. 5 outside a house in the La Jolla area and accused of beating Fox 6 News reporter John Mattes, who was investigating a suspected real estate scam.

Mattes suffered cracked ribs, bite wounds and cuts to his face.
In footage aired by Fox 6 News San Diego, Mattes and cameraman Dennis Waldrop are seen talking to someone when a woman identified as Barraza screams at them. A man identified as Suleiman punches Mattes in the face and puts him in a headlock.

Superior Court Judge David Szumowski allowed Barraza to remain free on $78,000 bail, but ordered Suleiman held in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Suleiman was charged with battery causing great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, making a criminal threat and intimidating a witness. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted of all the charges, prosecutors said.

Barraza is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, making a criminal threat, property theft and battery. Prosecutors said she faces up to five years in prison if convicted.