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Man sentenced to two years in prison for Huber Heights stabbing
DAYTON — A man accused of stabbing another man June 25 near a Huber Heights bar was sentenced to two years in prison Monday, Nov. 9.
James C. Harper pleaded guilty to one count of felonious assault Oct. 26, one day before his trial was to begin.
“I’d just like to say I’m sorry for what I’ve done,” Harper told Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Connie Price. “It was just a foolish mistake and I wish that it had never happened.”
Price responded that Harper’s victim, Ralph Westery, had to go through surgery was unable to return to work.
“Based upon your actions, sir, he has ended up losing his job,” Price said.
Westery, 44, of Huber Heights had been inside the Cape Lounge, 5130 Brandt Pike. He went out to his sport utility vehicle and found Harper lying on the front seat.
Westery scared off Harper and went back inside the lounge, then was told Harper had recently been released from prison. Westery then decided to go after Harper, chasing him several blocks before he caught him, according to police.
Harper stabbed Westery in the stomach with a multipurpose tool knife and ran. Police later arrested Harper near the bar, police said.
Harper was indicted on two counts of felonious assault, which likely would have merged for sentencing purposes had he been convicted of both. He pleaded to the count of felonious assault with a deadly weapon. The second count, for causing serious harm, was dismissed.
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