If convicted, Chad L. Norton could face more than 15 years in prison for the aggravated battery charge
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NEED TO KNOW
- Chad L. Norton is facing multiple felony charges after a road rage incident involving a stabbing in Wisconsin
- The victim sustained multiple stab wounds during a brief altercation and drove himself to the hospital for treatment
- Norton pleaded not guilty and could face over 15 years in prison if convicted
A Wisconsin man is facing multiple felony charges after a road rage incident that left another driver with stab wounds, according to court records reviewed by PEOPLE.
Chad L. Norton, 28, was charged with aggravated battery with intent to cause great bodily harm and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, both felonies with modifiers for use of a dangerous weapon, according to online court records. The charges stem from an April 23 incident.
Officers were dispatched just before 7 p.m. that day to Ascension All Saints Hospital for a report of a stabbing victim, FOX6 reported. The victim told police he and his girlfriend were leaving North Beach when another driver, later identified as Norton, allegedly cut them off and shouted, “Don't you know how to use your f—ing turn signal!”
The victim allegedly told police he later pulled up next to Norton near 12th Street and Washington Avenue, where Norton allegedly told him, “I'm going to beat your ass.” The victim then told Norton to “hop out,” and both men exited their vehicles, per FOX6.
What followed was a brief altercation that lasted about seven seconds, during which the victim said he threw several punches. He told officers he did not see a knife and did not realize he had been stabbed until he returned to his car, according to the news outlet.
The victim then drove himself to the hospital, where officers observed multiple puncture wounds and lacerations to his chest and arm that required stitches, according to the complaint cited by FOX6. Investigators also reviewed video that appeared to show Norton making stabbing motions during the fight.
Norton was later taken into custody, where he allegedly told officers he did not remember pulling a knife but said he typically carries a folding knife and was trying to stab the victim's hand to “get him away from me," FOX6 reported, citing the complaint.
Court records show Norton entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment on April 29 and waived his preliminary hearing, at which point probable cause was found and the case was bound over for further proceedings. A status conference is scheduled for June 2.
PEOPLE reached out to Norton's attorney for comment.
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A cash bond was set at $5,000, with conditions including no contact with the alleged victim and an order prohibiting Norton from possessing or controlling any weapons, according to court documents.
If convicted, Norton could face more than 15 years in prison for the aggravated battery charge, FOX6 reported.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Racine County Sheriff's Office and the Racine County District Attorney's Office for additional comment.
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