Libby man sentenced in knife attack

A 29-year-old Libby man has been given a six-year deferred imposition of sentence for an incident in which he stabbed another man with a steak knife.

Jon Legan pleaded guilty to aggravated assault July 6, as part of a plea arrangement with the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office. Under the terms of the agreement, an additional charge of assault with a weapon was dismissed.

The case dates back to April 25, when, according to charging documents, Legan was at home when his girlfriend, Chyanne Smith, and the victim, John Williamson, returned from a late-nigth alcohol run. Legan and Williamson got into an altercation in the driveway of Legan’s residence on Enders Lane in Libby. The fight resulted in Williamson being treated for multiple stab wounds at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

According to the investigating officer’s report, Legan said he and Williamson fought, but he didn’t remember stabbing him. He claimed Williamson assaulted him when he ran out of the house to check on Smith when the pair returned to the residence.

Legan said he fled the scene when he realized what had happened, he turned himself in to Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies later that day.

Adult Probation and Parole Officer Steve Watson said he didn’t object to the prosecution’s recommended deferred sentence. The victim, Williamson, was also in court in the Sheriff’s custody, told Judge Jim Wheelis he was comfortable with the sentence.