A picture taken by a witness at the time of the incident. (Submitted)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Charge laid following knife incident at Prince Albert Superstore

Jul 15, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Editor’s note: This story was amended at 2:07p.m. to include statements from police and Loblaws.

A man accused of brandishing a knife while evening grocery shoppers looked on, told a judge he was only trying to cut himself.

Harry Montgrand, 34, is facing a single charge of possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public in connection to Thursday evening’s incident at the Prince Albert Superstore location. When asked if he understood the charge, Montgrand simply nodded his head.

According to witnesses at the scene, many of which posted videos to social media, Montgrand held what appeared to be a “butcher” knife to his throat. He also had a large cut on his hand, and there was a puddle of blood observed near the store’s customer service desk.

Within minutes, a number of police officers responded and the suspect was arrested before causing any further injury to himself or to anyone else. A witness claimed the man dropped the knife after officers used a conductive energy device. In a statement Monday afternoon, police confirmed this information and explained the suspect had refused to comply with police commands to drop the knife.

Raiders AGM

Raiders impact on Prince Albert local economy continues to go up: AGM report

2h ago

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

Dec 11, 2024

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

Dec 11, 2024

Prior to leaving the prisoners box, Montgrand was overheard questioning the charge, explaining he was only trying to cut himself. Judge Daunt replied that still qualifies as dangerous to the public.

The case is back in court on July 18 and Montgrand remains in custody.

In their statement, police also explained that the information received from the initial weapons complaint indicated a male was inside a business brandishing a large knife and threatening staff.

“The male was safely taken into custody and transported to the Victoria hospital where he was treated for a minor self-inflicted injury,” police said.

For its part, Loblaws, the parent company, issued a statement.

“Given that there is an ongoing police investigation into this event, we’re unable to comment at this time,” they said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell