Two trials to be held for an Atlantic man arrested for Attempted Murder, Arson and other charges

(Atlantic) Two trials will be held for an Atlantic man arrested for Attempted Murder, Arson and other charges.

Anthony Asay, age 30, was charged with Arson 1^st Degree, Attempted Murder and Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness in connection with a house fire on Cedar Street on May 4^th. The next day, Asay was charged with Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Interference with Official Acts. The charges stem from an alleged stabbing on Cedar Street. Asay was later taken into custody in the 1200 block of Birch Street in Atlantic. During the apprehension, he was uncooperative and resisted Officers.

The charges were consolidated into one case. However, on Thursday the judge approved a motion to sever filed by Asay’s attorney. The motion to sever is a request asking the court to have separate jury trials on the different charges.

A jury trial for the charges of Attempted Murder, Arson 1^st Degree and Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness will begin Tuesday, July 12.

A jury trial for the charges of Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness, and Possession of a Controlled Substance will be held August 2^nd.