Man Gets Probation in Kasson Stabbing Case
Kasson, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Kasson man was sentenced today for a knife attack that occurred a little over a year ago.
Fifty-four-year-old Johnathan David Harris was arrested in April of last year after Kasson police responded to a report of a man trying to break into a residence and stab the occupants. Court documents say officers found Harris outside the home when they arrived at the scene.
Police Subdue Suspect at Scene
According to the criminal complaint, Harris refused commands from officers and began reaching into a vehicle while making comments that officers would have to kill him. Officers were able to take him to the ground and handcuff him before emergency medical personnel sedated Harris and transported him to the hospital.
Violent Incident Inside Kasson Home
The charges filed against Harris say the incident began with an argument between him and a woman inside the residence. She told police that Harris tried to stab her and held a knife to her stomach.
Victim Describes Struggle During Attack
The criminal complaint also includes statements from a witness who was sleeping in the home. He told officers that he was awakened by a woman and was trying to gather her belongings when Harris began hitting him. It was also alleged that Harris began stabbing the man, and during a struggle, the victim grabbed the blade of the knife with his hands, and Harris pushed the blade into his skin.
The court document says Harris then got on top of the victim with the knife and began choking the man while also trying to stab him in the neck before the victim managed to escape from his grasp. Kasson police reported that the victim was also transported to St. Marys Hospital to be treated for his wounds.
The criminal complaint also indicates that investigators found blood throughout the home and recovered three knives.
Charged With Attempted Murder
Harris was charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree assault, and a gross misdemeanor count of domestic assault. In March, he entered a Norgaard plea to one of the felony assault charges in exchange for the dismissal of all of the other charges.
READ MORE: Kasson Man Admits Guilt in Violent Knife Assault Case
Norgaard Plea Explained
A Norgaard plea means Harris admits his guilt but does not remember his actions due to alcohol or drug intoxication.
At his sentencing hearing today, Harris was given a jail sentence that was satisfied by the 328 days he spent in custody following his arrest. He was also placed on probation for five years and was given a stayed 21-month prison sentence that he could be required to serve if he fails to complete his probation.
