20-year-old said to have pointed gun at his own head when ex-girlfriend refused sex

A young local man who allegedly assaulted his former girlfriend and threatened to shoot himself late Wednesday night stands charged with reckless conduct, a class B felony, as well as simple assault, false imprisonment and obstructing the report of a crime.

Ryan Decato, 20, of 49 Batchelder Street, who has no prior criminal record, was held in Belknap County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail on the felony charge following his arraignment in Laconia District yesterday.

According to the affidavit of Officer Justin Blanchette, the 17-year-old woman told police that she went to Decato's home to tell him that she was pregnant and found him in the basement, obviously drunk and apparently high. She said he began making unwanted advances and tried to remove her pants. She resisted, but he persisted and when she tried to leave, blocked the doorway. Decato picked up a rifle, loaded it and pointed it at himself, telling her that he was going to kill himself in front of her.

The woman told police she feared for her life and began screaming, which drew Decato's mother and a friend downstairs. As his mother called 911 and began speaking to the police, Decato snatched the cell phone and took out the battery.

At 11:35 p.m. when Blanchette, accompanied by Officer Robert Sedgley, arrived they saw the young woman in the street. They then spotted Decato behind a van parked in the driveway. Since Decato was reportedly armed, Blanchette drew his pistol, pointed it at Decato and ordered him to show his hands. He readily complied.

Blanchette reported that Decato, who was slurring his speech and reeking of alcohol, admitted to being drunk. Later his mother told police that her son was addicted to Oxycodone, a prescription drug.

On his way to jail, Decato told the sheriff's deputy he was trying to have sex.