FALL RIVER, MASS. (WHDH) - A person of interest in connection with the stabbing of former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan appeared in court Tuesday evening following a day of delays. His arraignment lasted just three minutes.
Coree Gonzales, 31, was arrested Tuesday morning. According to police, he assaulted officers while being detained.
Gonzales pleaded not guilty to four counts of assault and battery on a police officer.
Firs responders called to Hartwell Street Monday afternoon found former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan suffering from stab wounds near the marijuana dispensary he owns.
Surveillance video from near the dispensary helped police locate and link the Gonzalez to the stabbing.
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said this appears to have been an unprovoked attack.
“It’s just an extremely bad circumstance,” said Coogan. “I think it was a couple stab wounds to the neck where he got smacked in the head, it was very very bad.”
Flanagan served as mayor from 2010 to 2014. His friends said they are hopeful he will recover.
“Well we have faith that he’s going to be alright, he’s a tough guy. And, you know, we have to get the city safe again,” said Christopher Silvia, Owner of Christopher’s Cafe.
Coogan told 7NEWS Gonzales has a history of mental health concerns, and has been arrested multiple times before.
“When I think what happened to the former mayor I’m saddened, and when I think about the person walking the street I get angry because it does not have to be this way,” said Coogan.
Flanagan remains at the hospital recovering from serious injuries.
Gonzales was ordered to have a medical evaluation. He is being held without bail.
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