A Tuscola County man was found guilty yesterday in Huron County court of assault with a dangerous weapon, a charge stemming from an incident in July of 2023.
Eric George Wensko, 61 of Gagetown, was also found guilty of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent following his one day trial, with the jury deliberating for one hour. The two charges arose from a July 1, 2023 incident at the Stacks Market in Owendale, where Wensko struck the victim several times with a wooden pole, with a store employee witnessing the attack via the store’s security system before reporting to police.
The surveillance video taken that day was a crucial piece of evidence, as it showed the assault from start to finish. The video also affirmed the victim’s testimony, with the victim sharing at trial that Wensko had been harassing the victim’s mother, and the victim had attempted to confront Wensko about the harassment in the store parking lot. While arguing, Wensko pulled out a wooden pole from his car and struck the victim several times, an act he’d testify was done in self-defense because he was concerned for his safety.
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is a four year felony; however, the defendant was also charged as a Habitual Offender—4th Offense, meaning that he had at least three prior felony convictions. Records indicate that Wensko has at least seven prior felony convictions, with that fact increasing the possible maximum sentence to 15 years.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. before the Hon. Gerald M. Prill.
