ByPaul Bissonnette Attacker Indicted for Assaulting Former Coyotes Player
Paul Bissonnette, a former NHL player, was attacked and seriously injured in Scottsdale, Arizona, on May 10, 2023. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mitchell Miller, has been indicted by a Maricopa County grand jury on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The Incident
According to police, Bissonnette was walking with his dog near his home when Miller approached him and began arguing. Miller allegedly punched Bissonnette in the face, knocking him unconscious. Bissonnette was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for a broken jaw and other injuries.
The Suspect
Miller is a convicted felon with a history of violent offenses. In 2010, he was sentenced to four years in prison for armed robbery. He was released from prison in 2014 and has been on probation ever since.
Miller's attorney, Robert Campos, said his client acted in self-defense. Campos claimed that Bissonnette had been harassing Miller and that Miller was trying to protect himself.
"Mr. Miller is a good person who made a mistake," Campos said. "He is not a violent person, and he did not intend to hurt Mr. Bissonnette."
The Charges
Miller has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He is also facing a misdemeanor charge of assault.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office declined to comment on the case.
The Victim
Bissonnette played in the NHL for 10 seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He retired in 2017 and currently works as an analyst for the Arizona Coyotes.
Bissonnette released a statement on Twitter after the attack, saying he was "doing okay" and that he was "thankful for all the support."
"I am working on getting better every day," Bissonnette wrote. "I am lucky to be alive."
The Fallout
The attack on Bissonnette has sent shockwaves through the hockey community. Former players and fans took to social media to express their outrage and support for Bissonnette.
The NHL released a statement condemning the attack and saying it was "committed to ensuring the safety of its players." The league said it was working with the Phoenix Police Department to investigate the incident.
The attack has also raised questions about the safety of professional athletes. Some players have expressed concern about the growing number of attacks on athletes in recent years.
Conclusion
The attack on Paul Bissonnette is a reminder that violence is never the answer. It is also a reminder that professional athletes are not immune to violence. The NHL and other sports leagues need to do more to protect their players from harm.
The case of Paul Bissonnette is still ongoing, and it is uncertain what the outcome will be. However, the attack has already had a significant impact on the hockey community and has raised important questions about the safety of professional athletes.
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