LA GRANDE — Police took a La Grande man into custody on Friday, March 7, following an attempted stabbing.

John Butchino, 38, was arrested for second-degree assault, according to court records. He also faces a charge of unlawful use of a weapon and menacing.

Law enforcement responded to Frontier Court around 7 a.m. after receiving a call about an attempted stabbing, according to the probable cause declaration. The reporting party told police he was attempting to move a camper trailer when Butchino came at him with a knife. He told police was moving the trailer for the owner and did not think anyone was inside.

The reporting party said Butchino swung the knife downward toward his arm, but he was able to jump out of the way and the knife stabbed the plastic propane cover. There also was another person who witnessed the incident.

When police spoke with Butchino, they noted he had a hunting style knife in a sheath on his right hip, which matched the description the reporting party gave. Law enforcement reported the snap securing the knife was undone.

Butchino told officers the same story as the reporting party, but did not mention having the knife in his hand, according to the probable cause declaration. He then ran when law enforcement went back to speak with the reporting party.

Officers searched the area and found Butchino, arrested him and booked him into the Union County Jail.