Man pleads not guilty in slashing case

A North Chicago man accused of slashing another man's throat in Libertyville pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Robert Townsend, 65, faces up to five years in prison if convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Assistant State's Attorney Reginald Matthews said Townsend, of 1440 S. Jackson St., was an employee of North Shore Movers, 912 E. Park Ave.

On Aug. 24, Matthews said, Townsend argued with a 37-year-old co-worker, also from North Chicago.

During the argument, Matthews said, Townsend pulled out a box cutter and slashed the right side of the victim's neck.

The victim was taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where he received multiple stitches in his neck.

Police were called and arrested Townsend as he was walking away from the scene on a nearby bicycle path.

Matthews said Townsend had the box cutter in his hand when he was arrested.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman scheduled a trial of the case for Nov. 5. He ordered Townsend, who is held on $1 million bond, to appear in court Oct. 4.