Man accused of pulling knife on bystander who tried to stop brutal attack
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Charges have been filed against a man accused of pulling a knife on another who attempted to stop the brutal attack of an elderly individual.
Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Saturday, May 31, indicate that John J. Stock Jr., 53, of Independence, has been charged after he allegedly pulled a knife on a bystander who tried to stop him from attacking an elderly man.
A probable cause statement filed by the Independence Police Department revealed that around 4:15 p.m. on Friday, law enforcement officials were called to a local store with reports of a disturbance. When they arrived, they found a 77-year-old male had been punched so hard on the side of the face that it caused his ear to bleed.
Investigators noted that the suspect continued to kick the victim after he fell to the ground. Several bystanders directed law enforcement officials toward Stock, who had been walking away, and identified him as the suspect. He was quickly taken into custody.
A bystander told law enforcement officials that he kicked Stock in an attempt to get him to stop the attack. Stock then allegedly pulled a knife on the second individual and walked away.
During Stock’s arrest, investigators said they found a black-handled knife in his possession. As a result, he has been charged with assault and unlawful use of a weapon. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 11 years behind bars and be ordered to pay a fine of up to $20,000.
An initial appearance has been scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. As of Monday afternoon, Stock remains behind bars on a $10,000 bond. No further information has been released.

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