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.