Stabbing victim in stable condition

An 18-year old man is in stable condition after being stabbed multiple times Sunday night.

The Cape Girardeau Sheriff's Department responded to the attack about 9:45 p.m. at 2416 Sunny Lane in Cape Girardeau County. The victim received numerous injuries from the small knife wielded by the assailant.

About 15 minutes later, officers placed 18-year-old Thomas J. Vicory of Jackson, Mo., in custody in connection to the attack and detained him at the Cape Girardeau County Jail pending formal charges.

Vicory was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with armed criminal action and first-degree assault.

The victim, who was transported to Saint Francis Medical Center for treatment, required stitches for his stab wounds, but remained in stable condition, said Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan.

Though the victim lost a lot of blood, the injuries were described as non-life threatening, Jordan said.

Vicory knew the victim, said Detective Travis Sikes of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office.

The two men grew up together in the same rural subdivision, said Sikes.

Vicory had left the area some time ago, though it is not known exactly how long, and returned Sunday evening to find a large group of "neighborhood children" hanging out, said Sikes.

Police say Vicory and the victim had scuffles in the past.

Officers have the serrated knife Vicory allegedly used in the attack in their possession, Sikes said.

He described the blade as the type frequently found clipped to a utility belt.

Vicory has several past convictions for criminal mischief type charges such as trespassing and property damage, and one for third-degree assault, for which he served seven days in jail at age 17.

The suspect's father declined to comment on the charges against his son.

The victim's family could not be reached for comment.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245