Alleged Shipley’s attacker arraigned Thursday in court

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By COLLEEN MCCARTHY
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The man accused of stabbing two Shipley’s Do-Nuts employees during a failed robbery attempt in May was arraigned yesterday at the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court during the first day of the October court term.
George Johnson, 21, of Weir, allegedly entered Shipley’s at approximately 6 a.m. on May 31, pulled a knife on a female employee and demanded money. He then cut her throat as he attempted to rob her.
According to police, several other employees heard the woman’s call for help and ran to the front of the store to find Johnson standing over her with his hands on her throat. A male employee attempted to stop Johnson from assaulting the female, but Johnson attacked him and cut him on the throat. The male employee hit Johnson over the head with a piece of equipment used in the shop before he fled the scene.
Starkville Police Chief David Lindley said officers were able to identify Johnson as the suspect shortly after arriving on the scene and found him walking on Highway 25 later that morning. He resisted arrest and was hit with a stun gun by police officers before being taken into custody. There is no indication that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the robbery. Johnson was not able to get any money during the attempted robbery.
Both employees were transported to OCH Regional Medical Center for treatment. Johnson was charged with armed robbery and two counts of aggravated assault.
Johnson’s bond was set at $100,000. His trial is set for Jan. 30, 2012.