Tuesday, March 13th, 2007
Stabbing at St. Marys tavern results in injuries and charges
By Shelley Grieshop
A 34-year-old St. Marys man was stabbed in the neck during a fight over a bar stool at C&C Loft and Lounge in St. Marys on Monday night.
The victim and his alleged assailant were both treated for injuries at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, then released. The name of the victim was not released.
Eric C. Knopp, 33, of Spencerville, is slated to appear today at an arraignment hearing in Auglaize County Municipal Court in Wapakoneta, on charges of felonious assault, according to St. Marys Police Chief Greg Foxhoven.
Knopp reportedly used a pocketknife to slash the victim's neck; his own hands also received knife wounds, the report said.
Foxhoven said Knopp has an "extensive criminal record" for violent crimes including assault and carrying a concealed weapon.
Officers were called to the bar at 223 E. Spring St. at 10:39 p.m. on report of a fight in progress. When police arrived they found the victim inside the bar bleeding from the neck. Knopp fled the scene and was tracked down about two blocks away, Foxhoven said.
Foxhoven did not say whether the men were under the influence when the altercation began but confirmed alcohol was involved.