Former owner of South End Grocery pleads guilty to stabbing

The former owner of the now-closed South End Grocery has admitted to stabbing a person with a screwdriver.

Travon T. Jackson pleaded guilty to second-degree assault Thursday in Albany County Court. Jackson was arrested after entering a Bassett Street residence last Christmas Day and stabbing the person in the back of the head and ear. The victim had minor cuts, pain and difficulty hearing in his ear.

Special prosecutor Danielle Neroni said Jackson will receive prison time and probation when he is sentenced Dec. 17.

The victims are satisfied with this solution. There is also a protective order.

South End Grocery opened in December 2022 in a former McDonald’s. It is located in an area considered a “food desert.” It closed in July 2023 after a fire extinguisher exploded in a food preparation area and never reopened.

Albany County purchased the property for $450,000.