NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The man charged with stabbing a Camden police officer was denied bail by a judge Friday morning and ordered to remain in custody while he awaits trial.
Officer Joshua McKnight, 23, was speaking with a grocery store owner at Broadway and Chestnut Street Sunday night when he was he was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack.
Video of the attack was entered into evidence, along with bloody clothes and a bloody knife, in the case against 38-year-old Richard Dennis. The judge said the state made a strong case and ordered Dennis to remain in custody as he awaits trial on attempted murder and related charges.
The defense unsuccessfully argued to have him held in civil confinement or a hospital because he has been homeless off and on for years and suffers from bipolar disorder.
Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said it’s a miracle officer McKnight survived this attack and thanked everyone who helped save his life.
“We are extremely grateful, and today, justice was done. He was detained, the defendant, as he should be,” MacAulay said.
Judge Francisco Domingo said the suspect must be detained because he poses a significant threat to the public.
McKnight was released from the hospital Thursday and is recovering at home.