Sheriff's department reports stabbing incident Monday

A 43-year-old man was stabbed and seriously injured Monday during a possible drug deal gone bad in Bollinger County.

The stabbing occurred around 5 a.m. near Zalma, Mo., while the victim and his attacker were traveling in a vehicle, according to chief deputy Leo McElrath.

A 17-year-old boy allegedly used a pocket knife to stab the victim in his neck and chest before fleeing the vehicle, McElrath said. He was later arrested at his Zalma home.

Following the attack, the victim wrapped a towel around his neck and drove to a gas station in Arab, Mo., where 911 was called.

An ambulance transported the victim to Saint Francis Medical Center where he was listed in serious condition Monday, according to McElrath.

While officials were still investigating the cause of the stabbing, the attack may have been spurred by a drug deal gone bad, McElrath said. No drugs were found.

When arrested, the attacker told officers he threw the knife into the Castor River. Officers searched the river, but as of Monday afternoon, the knife had not been recovered.

No charges were filed against the 17-year-old as of Tuesday evening, according to the sheriff's department.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127