Fitchburg man accused of attacking social worker

FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) - A patient at a Fitchburg mental health center has been ordered held without bail after allegedly slashing his social worker in the face with a box cutter because he was not given his nicotine gum.

Keyon Johnson was ordered held pending a hearing next Thursday to determine whether he's a danger to the community. He's charged with mayhem with a dangerous weapon. An attorney will be appointed.

Police say Johnson attacked Scott Smith, of Milford, N.H., unprovoked on Wednesday as Smith was giving him a ride home from appointments.

Johnson is a client at a health center where Smith works.

Police say Smith drove to the police station with blood pouring from his face and needed 22 stitches.

Johnson told police Smith had broken a promise to buy him Nicorette gum.

Cox Media Group