POLICE SAY MAN STABBED DUE TO DRUG DEAL

What police describe as a drug deal that soured ended in a stabbing and car crash Saturday near the intersection of William and Spanish streets, police said.

At about 6:50 p.m. an assault was reported in the vicinity of Indian Park, Sgt. Rick Price said.

The driver of a tan and brown Ford Bronco was riding with another man when they began fighting, witnesses told police. The Bronco skidded through the intersection and struck a telephone pole. The passenger ran off.

Based on a description of the passenger, Price drove to 230 Good Hope St. As the suspect ran into the house, Price pursued him. The officer saw him throw an object into a box, then turn around and attempt to walk past the officer. Price struggled with the man and was assisted by other officers in arresting him.

A narrow metal pipe for smoking crack cocaine was recovered from the box, Price said.

Police said they also found a second crack pipe and box cutters in the man's possession.

"They're the weapon of choice in the hood," Price said.

The driver was taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital with 10 stab wounds and perhaps a punctured lung, Price said. Crack cocaine was found in the man's car, the officer said.

The driver was conscious and talking to police and paramedics as he was taken away by ambulance.

Although exterior damage to the car appeared limited to a bent grill and broken plastic molding around the left headlight, the Bronco was taken away by a tow truck.

The man identified as the passenger was arrested pending charges for assault and possession of drug paraphernalia.

No charges were immediately pending against the driver.