Detectives determine the stabbing occurred in self-defense
EBS STAFF
On Friday, March 29, the Bozeman Police Department responded to a call around 11 a.m. regarding a fight in Walmart in Bozeman. The fight is believed to have started as an unprovoked assault, resulting in the stabbing as an act of self-defense before police arrived, according to a press release from the City of Bozeman.
“An investigation revealed just prior to the fight the suspect had been huffing canned-air outside one of the store entrances,” the release explained. “Shortly thereafter, the suspect began acting irate, and without provocation, physically assaulted a person who had been standing nearby.
“During the assault, the victim feared for their safety, and in self-defense, stabbed the suspect in the abdomen with a small pocketknife. The victim was able to separate from the suspect just prior to officers arriving on scene,” the release stated.
The suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including stab wounds, and was transported for medical care.
The assault victim also sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
“Detectives concluded the victim’s actions were made in self-defense as they were lawfully protecting themselves from an unprovoked, physical assault. Detectives are continuing their investigation into this incident and anticipate forwarding their findings to local prosecutors for the suspect’s actions,” the release added.
Captain Joseph Swanson of Bozeman Police Department commended Walmart staff in the release, stating that they “were instrumental during this investigation and provided an invaluable amount of support as they partnered with our investigation team.”
Anyone who witnessed the assault is encouraged to contact Detective A. Kappler at 406-582-2028.
