Stabbing at Montana Casino Leads to Arrest

Posted on: March 28, 2024, 11:15h. 

Last updated on: March 29, 2024, 11:06h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A man was apprehended on Thursday for a slashing that took place earlier this month at a Montana gaming property.

A Great Falls Police Department SUV
A Great Falls Police Department SUV, pictured above. A stabbing took place at a casino in the city. (Image: GreatFallsMt.net)

The suspect, Trevor Leonard Johnson, was charged with assault with a weapon for the March 18 attack, which took place outside of the Ike and Susan’s Lounge & Casino in Great Falls.

The incident began as Johnson and the unnamed victim, who was identified as one of his friends, were talking extensively that night. When the casino bar closed, the victim left the complex and went inside a parked vehicle at the lot. For an uncertain reason, the victim exited the car, and once outside, he punched Johnson in the head, police said.

In response, Johnson grabbed a black switchblade from one of his pockets. He used the knife to stab the victim at least two times in the stomach and arm.

Johnson initially fled from the crime scene. A short time later, he returned and was overheard saying, “It was me. I did it,” MontanaRightNow.com, a regional news site, reported.

After the slashing, officers arrested Johnson, who was taken to the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD).

After cops heard Johnson’s version of events, a GFPD officer watched a video of the fight that had been captured on the casino’s surveillance cameras.

Victim Suffered Wounds

The victim was rushed to a local hospital. Doctors treated his multiple wounds and repaired internal organs that were protruding from his stomach, according to MontanaRightNow.com. In addition, hospital physicians treated the victim for a stab wound on his arm and a large cut on his stomach, authorities said.

Police didn’t have an updated condition on the victim. It’s unclear if he has been released from the hospital.

Judge Ruled on Probable Cause

Following his arrest, Johnson appeared in Cascade County court where a judge continued the case after he ruled there was probable cause that Johnson committed the crime.

The judge set Johnson’s bail at $10K and ordered Johnson not to come within 1,500 feet of the victim.

Johnson has yet to enter a plea on the charge.

If convicted, Johnson could face up to 20 years behind bars. He also could be fined as much as $50K.