Marseilles man hospitalized after reported stabbing; another man charged

A Marseilles man was ordered held on $25,000 for charges stemming from a Tuesday night stabbing that put a 54-year-old rural Marseilles man into a hospital, though his wounds were deemed non-life threatening.

Terry L. Clark, 57, appeared Wednesday in La Salle County Circuit Court, where prosecutors presented him with charges of aggravated battery, a felony, and aggravated assault, a misdemeanor. The aggravated battery charge is a Class 3 felony carrying 2-5 years in prison but with alternate sentencing options including probation and jail.

Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia approved Clark’s request for the services of the public defender and ordered him to return March 3 for arraignment. He needs to post $2,500 in cash to be released from La Salle County Jail.

Details still are emerging, but Marseilles police said the primary victim was taken to a Peoria hospital with stab wounds to his abdomen and leg.

Marseilles police responded at 8:16 p.m. Tuesday to 503 Wallace St., where Clark and the two victims — Clark incurred the misdemeanor charge for cutting a woman’s clothes with a steak knife — returned after drinking at a bowling alley, according to authorities.

In open court Wednesday, Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Jeremiah Adams said an argument ensued between Clark and the woman while the 54-year-old was out walking his dog. During the argument, Adams said, Clark brandished the knife and cut the woman’s vest.

A second argument ensued when the 54-year-old returned from walking his dog, Adams said, at which point Clark stabbed the man with a knife. Clark, Adams said, told police he acted in self-defense.