Bail Set at $75,000 for Winlock Resident Accused of Attacking Man With Knife, Beer Can on Sunday

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Bail has been set at $75,000 for a 38-year-old Winlock resident accused of cutting a man with a steak knife during an altercation on Sunday.

The alleged victim reported the defendant — whose legal name is Kirk E. Kaija but who goes by Katie — picked up a 6- to 7-inch knife and swung it at the victim when the victim blocked the door to a second-story bedroom balcony out of concern Kaija was going to jump off, according to court documents.

Kaija also allegedly threw a full 25-ounce beer can at the victim’s face, according to court documents.

The responding officer, Winlock Police Chief Steve Valentine, observed the alleged victim had “dried and wet blood” on his “upper lip just below the nose” as well as a bruise on his left cheek, according to court documents.

When asked about the incident, Kaija allegedly claimed to have grabbed the steak knife after being pushed by the victim. Valentine observed Kaija “make the motion of an attack,” according to court documents.

Kaija denied cutting the victim and claimed to have controlled the attacking motion, according to court documents. 

Due to that alleged admission and the severity of the allegations, Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher asked Judge Joely Yeagher to set Kaija’s bail at $75,000.



“Given the facts in this particular case, we think there is some risk to the public,” Meagher said during Kaija’s preliminary appearance hearing in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday.

Kaija is facing one count of second-degree assault, domestic violence.

Defense Attorney Rachael Tiller asked Yeagher to release Kaija on $25,000 unsecured bail due to Kaija’s financial situation and a lack of felony convictions on her criminal record.

Yeagher ultimately granted Meagher’s request for $75,000 bail.

“I’m very concerned about the safety of the victim and the overall public,” Tiller said.

Kaija’s next court appearance is an arraignment hearing scheduled for May 19.