Ridgefield man makes court appearance in stabbing

A Ridgefield man who allegedly stabbed another man in the neck with a kitchen knife made a first appearance Friday in Clark County Superior Court.

Thomas Quant, 49, appeared on suspicion of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the Thursday morning incident.

Officers responded at about 2:45 a.m. to 310 Simons St. in Ridgefield and found the victim, identified as Justin Hobbs, 35, with a stab wound to his “upper throat area,” according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Superior Court.

Hobbs and Quant, who both live at the residence, were arguing when family members attempted to intervene, police said. Quant said Hobbs “came at him” so he used the knife to defend himself, the affidavit states.

Quant fled before police arrived and was located by a police dog a couple of blocks away from his residence, court records said.

Hobbs was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he received stitches, according to court documents.

The prosecution said that Quant was previously convicted of fourth-degree assault and that alcohol may have played a factor in the Thursday altercation.

Judge Daniel Stahnke set Quant’s bail at $50,000. It’s unclear if he qualifies for court-appointed counsel, but Vancouver attorney, Neil Cane, was assigned to represent him.

Quant will be arraigned Sept. 2.