January 10

Newport man pleads not guilty in Walmart theft, assault

By Doug Harlow dharlow@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

SKOWHEGAN -- A Newport man pleaded not guilty this week to assault and theft charges stemming from an alleged shoplifting incident Nov. 28 at the Walmart store in Palmyra in which he allegedly attacked two security guards.

Daniel J. Knight, 46, ran out of the store and was tackled by in the parking lot by another shopper and held until police arrived, according to acting Lt. Aaron Hayden of the Maine State Police.

"He was confronted by the Walmart loss prevention team," Hayden said Thursday. "He tried to make a run out of the store and used physical force to get away by pushing them out of the way."

Knight originally was charged with robbery because of the allegation of physical force. At Knight's arraignment Wednesday in Somerset County Superior Court the district attorney's office withdrew the felony charge and charged him with two counts of assault and one count of theft, all misdemeanors.

He allegedly had tried to steal toys, electronics, a backpack and personal hygiene items, according to court documents.

The Walmart security guards -- a woman and a man -- were not injured.

Knight was released on $500 cash bond and ordered not to return to Walmart, according to court documents.

Trial is set for Feb. 20.

He is representing himself in the case, according to court records.

Doug Harlow -- 612-2367
dharlow@centralmaine.com

 

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