Police in Newark responded to a disturbance Friday afternoon that led to a stabbing in a church parking lot, leaving one man seriously injured and another in custody.
Authorities said officers were dispatched at approximately 2:57 p.m. to the 300 block of East Main Street for a reported altercation. The investigation determined that 54-year-old Eric Pitts, of Newark, had been involved in an earlier dispute with an acquaintance at another location along East Main Street. Hours later, the individuals encountered each other again, and the confrontation escalated.
During the incident, Pitts allegedly produced a box cutter-style knife and slashed the victim’s neck, causing serious injuries. Officers arriving at the scene rendered immediate aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released.
Police said Pitts fled prior to their arrival but was located a short distance away at a nearby bus stop and taken into custody without incident. Investigators recovered the weapon after it was discarded.
Pitts was charged with first-degree assault and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $30,000 secured bail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant James Skinner.
