Man in court in alleged stabbing at Vancouver convenience store

A homeless man accused of stabbing another man outside a Vancouver convenience store argues he was acting in self-defense. But a witness says the attack was unprovoked, court records show.

Laryn Wayne Grovom, 58, made an initial appearance Friday in Clark County Superior Court on suspicion of first-degree assault.

The incident happened about 10 p.m. Thursday outside the Circle K convenience store at 2721 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Officers arrived and found a man, identified as David A. Montes, who’d been stabbed several times, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

While canvassing the area, police contacted Grovom, who matched the suspect’s description, sitting in a vehicle about 200 yards from the scene. Police said Grovom had blood on his hands and clothing, the affidavit states.

Grovom reportedly admitted to stabbing Montes and said the two had been arguing. He was defending himself, he said, and used a blade on a multi-tool and a piece of metal to stab Montes. However, a witness to the assault said Grovom was unprovoked when he stabbed Montes, court documents say.

Police found the weapon covered in blood in Grovom’s vehicle, according to court records.

In court, Grovom began to speak about the alleged stabbing but Judge John Fairgrieve advised him to not talk about the facts of the case.

Grovom told the judge he was unemployed and receiving food stamps. According to the prosecution, his criminal record includes convictions for public urination, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

The court set bail at $100,000, citing 13 prior bench warrants.