Knife-wielder who threatens dad, cops gets probation

Published 4:03 pm Saturday, October 8, 2011

An Austin man who threatened his dad and two police officers with an 8-inch knife was sentenced to five years probation in Mower County District Court on Friday.

Cobai

Mayai Arob Shaben Cobai, 22, was convicted of terroristic threats, a felony. One count of second-degree assault was previously dismissed.

According to a court complaint, Cobai was arrested near Nichol’s gas station around 12:30 a.m. on June 8.

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Court documents indicate Cobai was in front of Nichol’s when police located him. He was wielding a knife with an 8-inch blade and postured himself in a fighting stance with the knife pointed at police as they approached, according to a court complaint.

Police ordered Cobai at gunpoint to drop the knife and he eventually complied, although he continued to make “aggressive remarks” as officers handcuffed him, court documents state.

While being taken to the Mower County jail, Cobai said he had been “jumped” by five people and was coming back to stab them.

When police spoke to Cobai’s dad, the victim of Cobai’s threats, he said Cobai was visiting him. The men began arguing because Cobai had arrived at his dad’s home late at night, and his dad disapproved. During the argument, Cobai grabbed a knife from the kitchen, brandished it and threatened to kill him.

A witness confirmed Cobai’s threats and said Cobai had pointed the knife at his father.

Police photographed a slash in the wall, reportedly caused by Cobai when he was brandishing the knife, according to the court complaint.