PHILADELPHIA, PA – Chaos erupted outside a Center City bar Friday night when a man armed with a knife stabbed two patrons after being kicked out for harassing customers.
Witnesses told investigators the suspect had been wandering from table to table inside the Arch Street establishment, grabbing drinks and drinking them without permission.
After security forced him out, the man began pounding on the glass door with a knife, refusing to leave as startled patrons looked on.
When a 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old man tried to reason with him, the suspect turned violent, stabbing one victim in the chest and the other in the side before being overpowered.
The attacker fled north on 11th Street, leaving a trail of panic and blood behind him.
Police locate suspect within minutes
SEPTA Police, armed with a detailed description, quickly tracked the suspect down on the 100 block of North 11th Street and took him into custody without further incident. A folding knife and a bloodstained shirt were recovered from the scene and logged into evidence.
Both victims were transported to Jefferson University Hospital, where they were treated for stab wounds and listed in stable condition.
Investigation handled by Central Detectives
The Central Detective Division took over the case and interviewed the victims and witnesses Friday night. Investigators confirmed both men positively identified the detained suspect as the attacker.
The offender’s name has not been released pending formal charges, but police said the investigation remains ongoing.
