ATTLEBORO - A suspect in a break-in and assault at a South Main Street condominium says he acted in self-defense after witnessing his friend get punched, his lawyer said Thursday.

Eric Burrill, 33, of 44 Elm St. in North Attleboro, pleaded innocent in Attleboro District Court to armed burglary and threatening a man with a baseball bat.

He was expected to post $500 cash bail set by Judge John A. Canavan III.

Burrill was arrested about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday after police were called to a reported home invasion at 240 South Main St. and found an assault had occurred.

Police said the victim, Lee McCoubrey, 44, of 240 South Main St., told them he was assaulted after he refused to let Burrill and Joseph Muenzen, 54, who lives in the same condominium building, enter his unit. McCoubrey told police he believed the men were intoxicated.

The victim told police he punched Muenzen after Muenzen allegedly pushed him into his couch.

He then was threatened with a baseball bat, allegedly by Burrill, according to court records.

McCoubrey was treated at Sturdy Memorial Hospital for minor injuries, according to police.

Burrill's lawyer, Daniel Rich of Norton, said his client never entered the apartment and picked up a baseball bat he found on the landing after he saw Muenzen get punched.

Police found Muenzen unconscious when they arrived but he later regained consciousness.

He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence after treatment at Sturdy.

Police obtained a fugitive from justice warrant and are charging Muenzen with armed burglary and assault and battery.

Burrill is due back in court Feb. 27 for a pretrial hearing.