Seth Dawson, who last year slashed Saratoga Springs Police Officer Adam Baker with a razor blade, was sentenced on Monday, May 12, to a total of up to 14 years in state prison with three years supervision following his release.
On Jan. 7, Dawson, 20, of Washington County, pled guilty to an indictment charging him with assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony and criminal possession of a weapon, a Class D felony, for slashing Baker’s throat, with a razor blade. Saratoga County Judge Jerry J. Scarano sentenced him to seven years in state prison on the assault charge and 2 1/3 to seven years on the weapon charge. The sentences are to run consecutive to one another and followed by three years of post-release supervision. This is the maximum sentence that could be imposed.
Baker was present in the courtroom, although he declined to speak. Also in the courtroom were Saratoga Springs City Police officers, John Jack Carey and John Kehoe, who witnessed the slashing and helped take the defendant into custody last September.
Dawson had fled from the Four Winds mental health center on September 5, and Baker was sent to return Dawson to the center. Dawson attacked Baker when Baker approached him in downtown Saratoga.
`We have held Mr. Dawson responsible for slashing the throat of officer Baker,` said Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III in a prepared statement. `Thankfully, because of the actions of a young school girl who quickly got a towel, officer Carey was able to control the bleeding and save Baker’s life. The three officers on the scene, Baker, Carey and Kehoe exhibited extraordinary skills and training in that they handcuffed and arrested Mr. Dawson, secured the weapon, treated officer Baker’s injuries, called for a helicopter, provided crowd and traffic control, and preserved the crime scene practically all at once. Their calm demeanor and professionalism saved an officer’s life and protected the public. They and the young middle schooler are true heroes for their successful efforts.`
Debra A. Kaelin, the assistant District Attorney who handled the case, spoke briefly at the sentencing, describing to the judge the effect the defendant’s actions had on so many people, including Baker. `Officer Baker will remember that day each time he looks into the mirror and sees the 5 inch scar that remains. He, his family and his family of fellow officers are traumatized not only by what happened but by what could have happened,` she said.
Murphy praised the witnesses at the scene, the Saratoga Springs Police Department and Four Winds Hospital for their good work and cooperation. “