Assad trial scheduled to begin Wednesday

The trial for a Sidney man facing charges that include terroristic threatening, kidnapping, domestic assault and drug and gun possession is scheduled to begin Wednesday in Cheyenne County District Court.

Jason Assad was arrested last fall at the El Palomino Motel in Sidney, a business he co-owned at the time.

The arrest stemmed from an alleged altercation at the property that occurred on Sept. 14, 2014.

Sidney Police officers responded to the motel for a report of an argument and a woman screaming, according to court documents. Unable to make contact with Assad, police obtained a search warrant.

In a subsequent search of the premises, officers found a female in the office with two black eyes, court documents state. Surveillance equipment was also discovered. After police obtained a search warrant for the footage, they saw a recording of Assad placing a knife near the victim's head, according to court documents.

Assad has a prior felony conviction from Colorado.

Jury selection in his trial is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The trial will begin following that process.