POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. — Detectives say one man wanted for stabbing a man in Powhatan County, which the victim’s wife said was prompted by a terse exchange outside the county Walmart, is behind bars as investigators hunt for another suspect.
Officials said Wednesday that Amelia and Powhatan detectives arrested Justin Harris on Friday evening on malicious wounding charges for a Thursday night stabbing that sent a man to the hospital.
The second suspect, 18-year-old Erin Knipe of Amelia, pictured below, remains at large. He is described as a black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 170 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.
Additionally, Amber Jessel of Powhatan County, was arrested on Tuesday and was charged with accessory after the fact in a felony and giving a false report to law enforcement officer in reference to the commission of a crime.
If you have information that could help investigators find Knipe, call the Powhatan Sheriff’s Office at 804-598-5656 or Crime Solvers at 804-403-4357.
Erin Knipe (PHOTO: Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office)
Deputies said the violent attack happened outside a Powhatan home in the 2900 block of New Hope Road around 10:25 on Thursday night.
The wife of the victim, who did not want to talk on camera, told CBS 6 reporter Sandra Jones that it all started when one of her two son’s exchanged words with his ex-girlfriend at the Walmart parking lot.
Shortly after her sons arrived home, she said that ex-girlfriend, another girl and two men arrived at the house.
That’s when her husband came outside and told the group to leave. When they refused to go, the victim’s wife said an argument escalated into violence.
That’s when her husband was stabbed in the torso and was med-flighted to the hospital.
The victim’s wife said he is expected to survive.
Sharon Butler, who works at a local salon in Powhatan, said any violence is concerning, especially when it happens in the county.
“I think the bigger that we get in Powhatan, more people coming in. Yes, I think there’s more crime that happens here. I do,” Butler said. “It’s very disturbing. ”
Erin Knipe and Justin Harris will be charged with malicious wounding when sheriff’s deputies find them.
If you’ve seen the men who are now considered suspects, call the Powhatan Sheriff’s Office at 804-598-5656.
