COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The case of a Fort Wayne man who is facing two assault charges in connection with a road rage incident and two alleged stabbings May 16, 2018 in Coldwater has been bound over to Branch County Circuit Court.
22-year-old Javonta Lamont Tyson has been charged with assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.
Defense attorney Benjamin Jewell said at the start of Thursday’s preliminary exam that his client declined an offer to plea to lesser charges.
His two alleged victims, 39-year-old Eric Kanouse and 47-year-old Steven Holt, both testified about what they recalled.
Kanouse said he and Tyson exchanged obscenities during the first confrontation at U.S. 12 and Sprague Street after Kanouse honked at a SUV in front of him which was being driven by Tyson’s girl friend when it did not pull away from the green light. Kanouse admitted he did not call 911 nor did he go to nearby ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital after he was stabbed. Instead, Kanouse said he followed the vehicle Tyson was in so he could get a license plate number.
Tyson shook his head at times while he was seated at the defendant’s table as Kanouse testified. Holt was stabbed in the knee during the second confrontation at Michigan Avenue and Hull STreet. He said he did not recall hearing racial words or slurs which contradicts what Tyson’s girl friend Priscillia Ringle told WOOD-TV. She claims racial slurs were yelled at them.
During his testimony, Kanouse said he felt fear for his children, while Tyson told WOOD-TV two weeks ago he was protecting himself.
Tyson remains lodged in the Branch County Jail. His bond was continued at $500,000. He is scheduled to appear for a Branch County Circuit Court arraignment June 18, 2918.
