(Tyler Murphy Photo)

NORWICH – A day after the Norwich Police Department released a warning to Norwich residents about a rise in local break-ins, a man charged with stabbing another after breaking into a victim’s car last weekend appeared in City of Norwich Court.

Gary L. Nichols Jr., 39, of Norwich, was charged with first-degree assault, third-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, petit larceny, trespass, and first-degree escape.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges in Norwich City Court and his case is now heading to Chenango County Court.

First Assistant District Attorney James Snashall appeared in court and said he had no information about the victim’s condition or if the DA’s office would pursue more serious charges.

The stabbing allegedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning in the City of Norwich after Nichols was confronted while allegedly stealing from a parked car.

Yesterday as part of a public notice NPD Deputy Chief Scott Burlison advised the public, “Do not confront the person. It’s not worth engaging them; and if you’ve called 911, help is on the way.”

He said a rise in break-ins isn’t uncommon once the summer hits, and the majority of recent thefts have occurred at night in the southern part of the city. “Bring in your valuables from your vehicles, and keep your doors locked,” said Burlison.

According to police the stabbing occurred at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday on Plymouth Street in the City of Norwich, after the owner reported an ongoing theft from his parked Cadillac.

Police said one victim was stabbed approximately 10 times with a, “orange and camouflaged handle knife." The other victim was bitten in the arm.