Pocatello man charged after alleged knife attack at motel

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POCATELLO — A man accused of stabbing another man during an altercation at a Pocatello motel has been charged with a felony.
Alfonso Garcia III, 32, faces a felony charge for aggravated battery and a misdemeanor for possession of paraphernalia, court records show.
Pocatello police responded to reports of a stabbing at a motel on Bench Road just after noon Saturday, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Officers were informed that Garcia and another man had been involved in an altercation in which Garcia pulled a knife and cut the other man’s arm.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with Garcia in his room. Police reports note that there was drug paraphernalia in “plain view” inside the room.
An employee at the motel told officers when they were informed of the fight, they went to break it up and found the victim with a torn shirt and a “large cut” on his arm. The witness said the victim was “covered in blood.”
The witness told police that he and another employee were able to separate the men. While doing so, the victim allegedly told Garcia he would call the police unless Garcia paid him $1,000.
Officers were brought into the motel’s office, where they reviewed surveillance footage of the incident. According to the affidavit, it is clear that Garcia, holding a knife, pursued the victim who was trying to get away. Garcia can be seen throwing punches while holding the knife, the affidavit says.
Reports do not indicate whether the victim was in need of medical care.
Garcia was arrested and taken to Bannock County Jail for booking. He was released on his own recognizance with court services and a no-contact order Monday.
Though Garcia has been charged with these crimes, it does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.
If he is found guilty, Garcia could face up to 16 years in prison.
He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing before Magistrate Judge Paul Laggis on July 13.
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Source: eastidahonews.com