The accused charged in a New Year’s Day robbery which saw a father stabbed while at a local convenience store to pick up a jug of milk is expected to stand trial this week.
Blake Johnny, 27, is charged with one count each of aggravated assault and robbery in connection with the incident. The trial is expected to get underway in Williams Lake Supreme Court Wednesday morning after being adjourned Monday and Tuesday.
Read More: Two charged in New Year’s day robbery and assault in Williams Lake
The crime occurred Jan. 1, 2018 at about 8:23 p.m. in the Glendale area. The victim was approached by two suspects who demanded the man hand over the keys to his vehicle. A scuffled ensued and the victim ran back into the store where he was followed inside, stabbed and the keys taken before the suspects fled on foot.
Staff at the store who witnessed the video footage of the assault said at the time there were customers in the store when the attack happened, and she couldn’t believe the suspect would chase the victim back into the store to further attack him.
“It’s just amazing to me that they would come into the light and the store with people all around and not have a care in the world.”
Read More: New Year’s Day attack sends man to hospital in Williams Lake
She described the victim as a “very nice man” who is a single parent. She believed the victim had to have surgery as a result of his injuries.
Charges against the second suspect were dropped by Crown.
Although only in his twenties, Johnny already has a lengthy criminal record and is one of about a dozen prolific offenders who frequent the city. He remains in custody.
Do you have a comment about this story? email:
editor@wltribune.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.