35-year-old man charged with attempted murder after Saint John police officer stabbed
Officer remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries
A 35-year-old man is facing six charges, including attempted murder, in connection with the stabbing of a Saint John police officer at a store on the city's west side Wednesday night.
Corey James Clarke appeared in provincial court Thursday afternoon, where he was also charged with aggravated assault of the officer, Const. Jonathan Grenier, assaulting a woman with a knife, possessing a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, mischief under $5,000 for wilfully damaging glass display cases at Canadian Tire on Fairville Boulevard, and resisting two officers in the execution of their duty.
No details about the incident were provided in court.
The injured officer remains hospitalized, in stable condition, with non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed while responding to reports of a man armed with a knife threatening staff and causing damage inside the Canadian Tire at 885 Fairville Blvd., shortly after 8 p.m., Staff Sgt. Sean Rocca told reporters Thursday before Clarke's court appearance.
He declined to say whether there was any communication between the injured officer and the accused before the alleged stabbing, citing the ongoing investigation and interviews of witnesses.
"I don't want to provide any information that could taint another witness' information," said Rocca.
"I think in due process the details of what occurred will come to light."
He also declined to disclose where or how many times the officer was stabbed, or any information about him, including his name, age and how long he's been with the force.
Grenier joined the force in 2016, according to a release issued at the time.
Rocca said there were a number of people inside the store during the incident, but no other injuries were reported.
A "number" of officers responded to the scene, Rocca said. CBC News confirmed from a nearby business that there were nine police cars and an ambulance in the parking lot of the Canadian Tire between 8 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Two officers were already inside the store when the injured officer was allegedly stabbed with a knife upon entering to help, said Rocca.
Officers immediately stopped the attack and took a 35-year-old man into custody, he said. Firefighters, Ambulance New Brunswick and other officers administered first aid to the injured officer at the scene and he was then transported to the hospital, where he is recovering.
Rocca could not say how long the officer will remain in hospital or when he might return to work.
It's "not a common occurrence" for an officer to get injured in the line of duty, especially from an alleged attack with a weapon, he said, unable to immediately provide any statistics. "Anecdotally I can say that, you know, I'm in my 21st year and I can't recall an officer being stabbed."
Rocca said the entire force has been affected by the incident, "but they really come together, you know, and … despite the circumstances, are persevering, I would say."
A psychologist was called in last night to assist fellow officers, he said. Members of victim services were also on hand for officers as well as witnesses.
"It's not uncommon for us to conduct debriefings after a serious incident."
Doesn't want a lawyer
Clarke stood in the prisoner's box with his heavily tattooed arms crossed over the skull on his black T-shirt as Judge Andrew LeMesurier read the six charges against him aloud.
He is also facing three charges dating back to 2017-18, in the Kingston area, the court heard. He is accused of assaulting and threatening a man and then failing to attend court.
Duty counsel Margaret Gallagher told the judge she "had some difficulty taking instructions" from Clarke and didn't recommend he elect his mode of trial yet.
The judge agreed. "You need to have a lawyer review these matters," he said.
Clarke informed the court he intends to represent himself.
Crown prosecutor Jeremy Erickson objected to his release. Clarke proposed he wear "an ankle bracelet" and remain at his Saint John residence, under surveillance "until this court matter is done."
LeMesurier explained he has to face a bail hearing first and if released, there could be conditions, including an ankle bracelet.
Clarke remains remanded in custody until a bail hearing Monday morning.
He asked the judge if he could be taken to the hospital. "I got a concussion from the police officer that beat me last night," he alleged.
LeMesurier recommended he ask to see the nurse at the jail and explain why he feels he should go to the hospital.
"You might want to consider the decision to represent yourself; you can still change your decision," he added.
Maximum of life in prison
If convicted of attempted murder, Clarke could face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Aggravated assault of a peace officer, where the officer is wounded, maimed, disfigured or their life is endangered, carries a maximum prison term of 14 years.
On the four other alleged offences, the Crown is proceeding by way of indictable charges, which are more serious than summary charges and carry the harshest penalties.
The alleged assault of a woman with a knife and alleged possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace are each punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Mischief in relation to property damage, and resisting police, each come with a maximum punishment of two years in prison.
The major crime unit and forensics services continue to investigate. The store was closed for several hours while the scene was processed.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 1-506-648-3333, or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).