Troy man admits to attempted murder in March attack
TROY, N.Y. » A Troy man is expected to spend 12 years in prison after taking a plea deal in a March attack on Congress Street.
The Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office said Monday that Carl M. Pugh, 35, pleaded guilty Monday before state Supreme Court Judge Andrew Ceresia to one felony count of second-degree attempted murder under terms of a plea agreement. In return, Pugh is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 4 and receive five years of post-release supervision in addition to the 12-year prison sentence.
Pugh initially faced a fivecount indictment after he attacked a man who refused to give him money March 18 outside the Dunkin’ Donuts shop across Congress Street from the Rensselaer County Courthouse where Pugh made his plea Monday. According to authorities, Pugh stabbed the victim in the face and side with a knife and knocked out several of the man’s teeth.
“This dangerous individual will thankfully be off our streets for a significant period of time,” District Attorney Joel Abelove said in a statement. “Our heartfelt prayers go out to the victim who endured this brutal attack.”
Police said the assault occurred around 2:30 a.m. and that the victim was walking along 3rd Street with a friend when he was approached by Pugh. Pugh began verbally threatening the victim and his friend, then suddenly attacked the victim, police said.
The victim was aided by a bystander who called 911. Officers were able to speak with the victim and get a description of the Pugh, who was quickly located and arrested.