Travis Johnston, 44, faces court over alleged Torquay knife attack
A knife-wielding man accused of a random daylight stabbing and attacks on two others, including a man holding a child in a chemist, has fronted court as frightening new details emerge.
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A knife-wielding man accused of a random daylight stabbing and attacking two other people, including a man holding a child in a chemist, has fronted the Geelong Magistrates’ Court.
Travis Johnston, 44, has been identified as the alleged attacker who struck fear into central Torquay on Saturday.
He has been charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, two counts of unlawful assault, intentionally causing injury, assault with a weapon and affray.
Johnston appeared in court from the dock on Monday and did not apply for bail.
Alarming security camera footage appears to capture one of the alleged assaults, with the accused seen holding a large knife in his right hand as he kicks a man holding a child from behind in the Torquay Pharmacy.
Shoppers in the store can be seen frantically running away following the incident.
Johnston requested in court through his defence lawyer “he wanted to go to residential rehab” before being remanded into custody.
“That is something that will need to be explored,” Magistrate Ann McGarvie said.
“In my view … there is a real risk if he is released without some sort of secure residential rehab.”
Ms McGarvie adjourned the matter until May 22.
Police will allege Johnston was armed with a knife while walking along Zeally Bay Rd and Fischer St on Saturday.
He entered a number of businesses at about 10.45am before he approached a man “and stabbed him” on Zeally Bay Rd.
The victim suffered a minor injury.
The accused then entered the pharmacy on Gilbert St.
Meanwhile his alleged victim inside the store, Marty Cooper, has told of coming “face-to-face with a knife”.
He was holding his 19-month old son, Forrest, at the time.
“I think I was just in his way and we got a fairly big stomp to the back and the next thing I know, I’m face-to-face with a knife,” he told Channel 9.
“My main instinct was just to sort of get as far as possible away with Forrest.”
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Originally published as Travis Johnston, 44, faces court over alleged Torquay knife attack
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