Peter Harris
/ Courtesy: Cayuga Co. District Attorney
CAYUGA CO. -- A Cayuga County jury convicts a man of attacking a stranger in a parking lot.
32-year-old Peter Harris was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, menacing and harassment charges.
Here's what prosecutors say happened:
Last February, Harris had an 8 inch knife when he approached a man in the parking lot of the Fast Trac gas station on Grant Avenue around midnight. He threatened the victim, stabbing three tires on his car. Harris then asked the victim for a ride. When the man refused, Harris shoved him, ripping the door to the fuel tank of the car. When the man tried to go into the store to call 911, Harris chased after him, shoving him against the counter. He then smashed the handle of the gas pump against he man's window. When the man tried to stop him, Harris pulled a knife from his pocket, pointing it at him and stabbing three of his tires.
"Peter Harris has an extensive criminal record going back several years and has become increasingly violent," said District Attorney Jon Budelmann. "Thankfully nobody was seriously injured during his latest offense. This jury's verdict sends a clear message that this Office and the People of Cayuga County will not tolerate unprovoked attacks on innocent community members."
Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8. He faces up to 7 years in state prison as a second felony offender.
