Jailed Fresno Developer Tells His Side

Sunday, June 28, 2009

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Andres Araiza
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Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- Vartanian is charged with spousal abuse, though police declined to identify the victim. He's also charged with false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon and violating a restraining order.

Vartanian called ABC30 from jail to give his side of the story. Fresno Police arrested Vartanian Friday night after a woman claimed he assaulted her. Vartanian told ABC30 the assault never happened.

Kirk Vartanian celebrated last Friday's successful launch of Club Edge. Vartanian is still trying to obtain a permanent liquor to keep the establishment open. Fresno's Police Chief Jerry Dyer called a press conference where Dyer said Vartanian assaulted a woman in a North East Fresno home. Dyer said, "He grabbed her with the other hand by the throat and forced her to the ground and again sat on top of her. It was at that point he held the knife toward her face, approximately three inches away from her face."

Vartanian disputed that account. He said over the phone, "We had an argument over something stupid - Granite Park. She is already feeling bad. There's no deadly weapon, no assault. I never hit any woman"

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Police Officers arrested Vartanian at Belana in Fig Garden Village. Action News confirmed Vartanian is wanted by Las Vegas Police. He is accused of stealing from a casino.The warrant was issued on June 6, 2009

Chief Dyer said all the legal troubles could impact Vartanian's standing with the state alcohol beverage control, "If Mr. Vartanian is convicted for a felony, it would have a significant impact on his ability to obtain an A.B.C. permit."

Vartanian feels the arrest could push him to make a difficult decision, "I'm trying to help the City of Fresno. If I am going to keep getting negative things happening to me, I am not going to help Granite Park."

Vartanian plans to bail out of jail on Monday morning. He also talked about the Las Vegas arrest warrant. Vartanian said he has a $200,000 debt with the Wynn Casino that he plans to pay off next week. The district attorneys office is expected to review the assault/domestic violence case and determine if charges will be filed.