Prosecutor’s office: Man found guilty in slashing another’s throat outside NJ bar

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has announced a jury returned a guilty verdict against a man who slashed the throat last year of another man outside a bar in Rahway.

News 12 Staff

Aug 5, 2022, 10:09 AM

Updated 874 days ago

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The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has announced a jury returned a guilty verdict against a man who slashed the throat last year of another man outside a bar in Rahway.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Michael G. Johnston, 45, of Winfield Park, was found guilty on one count each of second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, among other charges.
The prosecutor’s office says a Rahway police patrol unit was in the area of CVS on the 800 Block of Saint George's Avenue Aug. 30, 2021, around 1:45 a.m. when he was approached by a 25-year-old male who was bleeding from his neck. The victim was stabilized and transported to University Hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
An investigation resulted in Johnston being identified as a suspect in the case. He was arrested at his home.
At trial, it was revealed Johnston and the victim were at Butch Kowal's Tavern when there was a verbal confrontation outside of the bar. The dispute ended with Johnston attacking the victim with a knife, causing two lacerations to the victim's throat and one to his wrist. Video surveillance identified Johnston as the attacker.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 30. He could face up to 10 years in prison.