Suspect in Chester stabbing turns himself in

By Victoria Metcalf

A Chester man is now behind bars following the alleged stabbing of another Chester resident Monday, Feb. 11, at 3:55 p.m. The suspect, John Butcher, walked into the Plumas County Sheriff’s substation in Chester on Tuesday, Feb. 12, between 10:30 and 11 a.m. according to Sgt. Ian James.

A deputy recognized Butcher and knew he was wanted in connection with the stabbing the previous day. Butcher claimed that the incident was in self-defense, James said, and added that Butcher was immediately arrested.

According to the initial press release from the sheriff’s office, Butcher appeared at the home of Shawn Long. Allegedly Butcher was after Long’s juvenile son. That son was injured during the process, but did not require hospitalization, James said.

When Long went to defend his son, Butcher allegedly stabbed him with a screwdriver. The weapon went into the skin under one eye, through the nasal passage and came through the roof of Long’s mouth. Then Butcher left the scene on foot.

The California Highway Patrol, Chester Fire Department and the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the scene. Long was transported to Seneca Hospital where he was treated and released. CHP and sheriff’s officers searched for Butcher throughout the Chester area, but didn’t find him at that time.

Butcher has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon (a screwdriver), child endangerment and burglary.