Mason City man pleads not guilty to liquor store stabbing

MASON CITY — A Mason City man charged with stabbing another person while at a liquor store  has pleaded not guilty.

A criminal complaint filed in Cerro Gordo County District Court accused 43-year-old Elgin Richmond of willful injury resulting in bodily injury. While at Northside Liquor and Grocery at 1303 North Federal in the early afternoon hours of July 7th, Richmond was allegedly arguing with another person, which led to a physical altercation involving weapons. Richmond is accused of rushing at the victim with a knife, with the victim defending himself with a crow bar because he was being punched in the face.

Richmond allegedly stabbed the victim in the upper right neck and middle of the back. Willful injury resulting in bodily injury is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Richmond was due in court for his arraignment hearing today, but court records show that he filed a written plea of not guilty this morning in Cerro Gordo County District Court. No trial date was immediately set.