NORWICH – A man recently paroled by New York State for committing an attempted robbery in Norwich in 2016, was arrested by the City of Norwich Police Thursday morning for allegedly stabbing a pedestrian during an attempted robbery this past weekend.
City of Norwich Police arrested 41-year-old Gregory Frank Huzinec Jr., and charged him with first degree attempted robbery and first degree assault, both felonies. He was also charged with fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor.
Huzinec is being held pending his appearance in Norwich City Court later today. Chenango County District Attorney Michael Ferrarese said additional charges were likely and that Huzinec would be held in jail for violating his parole.
Investigators said Huzinec stabbed a local resident several times during an attempted daylight robbery at about 5:25 p.m., on Sunday, less than a block away from the police department.
Norwich Detective Sergeant Reuben Roach said the attacker demanded money and when the victim refused he was stabbed with a knife.
“A struggle ensued and the victim did sustain several stab wounds to the neck and chest,” said Roach. “Norwich Police officers were on the scene within minutes of the 911 call.”
The victim was in critical but serious condition as of Tuesday but no update was available by press time Thursday morning.
Assistant Police Chief Scott Burlison said Huzinec was taken into custody without incident on Ross Ave. in the City of Norwich at about 7 a.m., Thursday. He said information from the public helped officers locate the suspect.
“I am very happy with the efficiency of the city PD in getting this dangerous person,” said Ferrarese.
Ferrarese said Huzinec was released on parole about 12 months ago, and previously pleaded guilty to committing first degree attempted robbery. The incident occurred at about 6 a.m. on July 7, 2016, and involved a victim being attacked and tied-up along Lackawanna Avenue in the City of Norwich.
In that case Huzinec was originally charged with first degree robbery, second degree kidnapping, first degree burglary and second degree assault.
At the time Huzinec was accused of burglarizing an apartment armed with a gun. Prosectors claimed he pistol whipped the home's occupant and then tied the victim up before fleeing the scene with stolen property.
Appearing in court on July 10, 2016, for an arraignment former Norwich City Judge James Downey said according to the investigation Huzinec “duct taped and hogtied” the victim.
It was also alleged that Huzinec stole $60, a cell phone and a medical benefit card.
By Jan. of 2017 Huzinec had accepted a plea deal in the case and pleaded guilty to first degree attempted robbery. He was sentenced to four years in prison, with two and a half years post-release supervision.
Police said Huzinec had prior convictions in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Maryland.
(CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the charged crime and the previous conviction as “first degree robbery,” but officials later clarified after print that the new charges and the previous conviction involved “attempted first degree robbery” charges.)