NEWARK, DE — A 54-year-old Newark man has been charged after police said an altercation escalated into a knife attack that left a victim with serious injuries.
Newark Police reported that officers responded at approximately 2:57 p.m. Friday, April 24, to a disturbance in a church parking lot in the 300 block of East Main Street.
According to investigators, the incident stemmed from an earlier dispute between Eric Pitts, 54, of Newark, and an acquaintance at a separate location along East Main Street. Police said the disagreement resumed hours later at the parking lot and escalated.
During the encounter, Pitts allegedly produced a box cutter-style knife and slashed the victim’s neck, causing serious injuries, according to police.
Officers rendered first aid at the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived, police reported. The victim was transported to a local hospital, treated, and later released.
Police said Pitts fled prior to officers’ arrival but was located a short distance away at a nearby bus stop and taken into custody without incident. Investigators reported that the weapon was later recovered after it was discarded.
Authorities said Pitts has been charged with first-degree assault and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony.
According to police, he was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $30,000 secured bail.
Police stated the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. James Skinner at 302-366-7110, extension 3135, or by email at jskinner@newark.de.us.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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