MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) — A 43-year-old Warren man faces prison time after pleading no contest to waving a knife at two people and stabbing the family dog that leapt to their defense.
James Vigneau entered the plea Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Macomb County Circuit Court, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in an Oct. 6 news release.
Vigneau pleaded no contest to the following.
- Second-Degree Animal Killing/Torturing (a 7-year felony)
- Two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (a 4-year felony)
He was also served with a Habitual Second Notice, which will serve as an aggravating factor at sentencing.
The charges stem from a violent May 17 incident at a friend's home in Warren. Investigators said Vigneau began making inappropriate comments and was asked to leave the home.
Instead, investigators said Vigneau pulled out a knife and slashed it toward a man and his daughter.
When the family’s dog intervened to protect its owners, authorities said Vigneau turned the blade on the pet, stabbing it twice in the mouth and once in the nose. The dog survived its injuries.
“Violence against people and animals will not be tolerated. Today’s plea is an important step toward accountability,” Lucido said, in a statement. “My office will continue to stand up for victims and aggressively pursue those who commit acts of violence and animal cruelty.”
Vigneau is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 8:30 a.m.
