News
The Plains Man Held On $100,000 Bond After Alleged Stabbing
By: Sarah Hawley | Athens Messenger staff reporter
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A man from The Plains is being held on $100,000 bond following a stabbing on Monday afternoon.
James D. Warrener, 41, of 14 Roy Ave., The Plains, appeared in Athens County Municipal Court on Tuesday morning on charges of felonious assault and aggravated burglary. Initial information provided by the Athens County Sheriff’s Office on Monday indicated the incorrect name of the individual charged in the incident.
According to the criminal complaint, Warrener is alleged to have stabbed Ralph Hartman, of Woodland Avenue, The Plains, in the back with a pocket knife causing serious physical harm.
The aggravated burglary charge stems from Warrener allegedly remaining on Hartman’s property following the stabbing after being advised by the him to leave.
Hartman was taken to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
According to Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith, the altercation occurred near Lemaster and Connett Roads at 1:25 p.m.
The Plains Elementary, which is less than a mile from the intersection, was placed on a precautionary lockdown at 1:54 p.m., according to Smith.
The school was notified by the sheriff’s office that it should be placed on an active lockdown, said Principal Heather Skinner in a phone conversation Monday afternoon. Skinner stated that the doors were locked as usual and the classroom doors were also closed. Dismissal of students occurred as usual later in the afternoon.
At no time was there a threat to the school, Smith stated.
Warrener is being held in Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 21.