A homeless man has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a stabbing in downtown Burlington Tuesday night.

"He's a dangerous person, especially when he drinks," said Samantha Tonnessen.

Tonnessen needed to see it for herself-- her ex-boyfriend, Conner Lucas, arraigned on two counts of aggravated assault.

Court papers show that last week, Lucas threatened her life. It's a violation of his conditions of release. The court was supposed to hold a hearing on that when Lucas got in trouble again on Tuesday night.

"We are still investigating exactly what occurred in that situation, as one of the individuals is still at UVM Medical Center at this time," Chittenden County Deputy State's Attorney Aimee Griffin said.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, police got a flurry of 911 calls about a man sitting in an area on Main Street, just off Burlington's Church Street-- a busy area during at a busy time of night. That bleeding man has been identified as Mark Adams. Investigators say his injuries stem from a fight with Lucas in nearby City Hall Park. The men appear to be homeless. Lucas allegedly accused Adams' of raping his niece. When Adams' friend tried to intervene, police say Lucas stabbed him in the hand and slashed Adams in the neck, severing a vein. He underwent emergency surgery and remains in the ICU.

"Anyone could be walking around, going to have dinner, going to the Flynn-- they should not be subjected to such dangers and we want to do everything we can to make sure the public is protected," Griffin said.

Lucas appeared in court by video arraignment Wednesday. His public defender entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.

"He used to choke me, beat me up, smack me, hit me. He didn't care," Tonnessen said.

She says she escaped Lucas' abuse one year ago and that his escalated violence doesn't surprise her. She fears it's just a matter of time before he kills someone.

"I want to see the scum bag go away," she said.

Tonnessen is relieved-- at least for now-- her ex will remain behind bars without bail. The state says that's the only way to keep the public safe from him.

"I was very happy with it. It's sad that it takes something like this for them to freaking listen," she said.

Lucas will remain locked up until a bail hearing can be set. WCAX News has learned he has an extensive criminal record including other assaults, thefts, unlawful restraint and disorderly conduct.