New Bedford man who viciously attacked girlfriend multiple times sentenced to 16 years in prison

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday that a 67-year-old man who viciously attacked his girlfriend multiple times was sentenced to 16 years in state prison.

District Attorney Thomas Quinn said Peter Chongarlides was convicted Friday of several assault charges, including aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Back in July 2021, Quinn said police found his girlfriend hiding in the house after a friend called them, saying she needed help. The victim was told to hide after she was hit multiple times.

Chongarlides, who’s from New Bedford, was arrested but eventually posted bail.

Later in November, Chongarlides followed her home, showed a knife, and attacked her before she was able to escape from him the next day.

Quinn said the 67-year-old has a lengthy criminal history, dating back to 1978 for drug and other violent crimes.

In addition to the prison sentence, Quinn said Chongarlides was placed on an additional three years of supervised probation.