Citing safety concerns, judge hikes bail of stabbing suspect

By John Howell
Posted 4/25/17

By JOHN HOWELL Saying that he generally favors setting bail at a level that allows suspects not at risk of taking flight to be free until trial, Superior Court Justice Daniel A. Procaccini said Friday he was departing from his practice because of the

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Citing safety concerns, judge hikes bail of stabbing suspect

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Saying that he generally favors setting bail at a level that allows suspects not at risk of taking flight to be free until trial, Superior Court Justice Daniel A. Procaccini said Friday he was departing from his practice because of the “unusually violent and disturbing nature” of an attack that has changed the life of 18-year-old Alyssa Garcia.

“Safety does concern me,” Procaccini said from the bench in concurring with the prosecution’s request to increase the $100,000 bail with surety to $200,000 with surety for Jacob Gallant, 41, of Swansea, Mass. Gallant is accused of entering the Rite Aid pharmacy at 1201 Warwick Ave. on the morning of March 5, carrying a butcher knife that he used to stab Garcia, who was stocking shelves. There is no known connection between Gallant and Garcia and police are calling the stabbing “a random act.” In response to Garcia’s cries Connor Devine, a Rite Aid employee, held off the suspect with a shopping cart or chair. Also responding was Stanley Bastien, a customer, who with Devine was able to get Gallant to the floor and hold him there until police arrived.

No motive has been given for the attack, although in earlier reports police said Gallant planned to buy a large knife and stab the first person he saw.

Public defender Christopher Smith entered a plea of not guilty for Gallant and argued circumstances have not changed since bail was set at $100,000. In addition, he reasoned Gallant has a number of relatives in the Swansea area with whom he could stay and that Gallant has no prior criminal history.

Special Assistant Attorney General Charles Calenda, representing the state, argued Gallant is an “extreme danger” and that bail should be increased to $200,000.

Gallant is charged with assault with intent to commit murder, felony assault and/or battery; and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.

In considering bail, Procaccini asked questions about Gallant’s work history (he worked for an insulation company for 10 years) as well as family in the area. Smith said his office could assist in ensuring that Gallant undergoes mental health evaluations.

Procaccini called the attack vicious and said the injuries sustained by Garcia will affect “the balance of her life.”

Asked about Garcia’s condition, Major Brad Connor said Monday, “At last check, which was a couple of weeks ago, we were told that she had been released from the hospital and was at home receiving at-home nursing care.  Her spirits were up, but she has a long road ahead as far as recovery goes.”

A pre-trial conference was set for May 22.

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