A Salem-area man has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison after stabbing a landscaper at a southeast Salem business complex.
Jonathon L. Jones, 58, was sentenced Thursday in Marion County Circuit Court to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree assault, according to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
The stabbing occurred Jan. 7 at a commercial property at 4500 Commercial Street Southeast that includes a former Rite Aid store. Prosecutors said Jones had been living in a tent on the property at the time.
The victim, Victor Hernandez-Lopez, 48, was using a leaf blower when Jones became upset, believing the equipment was disturbing his belongings. Authorities said Jones stabbed Hernandez-Lopez twice, including once in the abdomen.
Responding officers found the victim receiving aid from bystanders. Investigators said the knife used in the attack was recovered among Jones’ belongings. A witness identified Jones as the attacker, and prosecutors said he later admitted to the stabbing during an interview with detectives.
Hernandez-Lopez was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and survived his injuries.
Jones was initially arrested on charges of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Under Oregon law, second-degree assault in these circumstances carries a mandatory prison sentence without eligibility for early release or alternative programming, prosecutors said.
Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson said in a statement that the sentence holds the offender accountable and reinforces public safety in the community.
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