SMETHPORT — A Bradford man was convicted in McKean County Court of stabbing someone in July 2020 near the High Rise on Bushnell Street.
Following a one-day jury trial, Matthew Howard, 27, was convicted Monday of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, possessing an instrument of crime, and terroristic threats, said District Attorney Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer.
She continued, “The charges stemmed from an investigation into the defendant’s actions in regards to stabbing another male with a knife in the city of Bradford in July 2020. The case was investigated by Officer Clayton Yohe of the City of Bradford Police. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Shade prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Sentencing will be scheduled by the court.”
According to the criminal complaint, in July of last year, Bradford City Police were dispatched to the area of the High Rise apartments on Bushnell Street for a reported stabbing. When police arrived, neither the suspect nor the victim were at the scene. The alleged offender had fled and the suspect was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center.
The victim, identified as Joshua Goodmote-Miller, told police he was in the area behind the High Rise when he saw his mother and his friend walking along the Barbour Street bridge. He began walking toward the two when Howard walked out around them and approached him, the criminal complaint alleged.
The two began to argue and Howard pulled out a knife, telling Miller if he got any closer he would stab him and kill him, the complaint alleged. Howard then threw a beverage can at Miller as a distraction, and then lunged forward and stabbed Miller in the neck, the criminal complaint stated.
Miller swung at Howard and was able to fight him off. He was taken to BRMC, and transferred to Erie County Medical Center trauma center for treatment. The neck wound was very close to the esophagus and artery, the complaint stated.
Officer Yohe interviewed multiple people, including witnesses and Howard himself, who allegedly told police he possessed a knife during the fight and did stab Miller, the complaint stated.
Police determined that Howard had initiated the altercation as well.
