Man Slashed in Downtown Stamford Alley [Update]

A 29-year-old Stamford man was slashed in the face and neck while walking in an alley behind the Bell Street parking garage Thursday evening, according to police.

The assault occurred at approximately 9:19 p.m., Captain Richard Conklin told Patch, shortly after large crowds gathered nearby in for the weekly Alive @ Five concert series.

The victim was hit with a sharp object that slashed him from his cheek down to his neck, Conklin said, thus erupting a major artery. Pedestrians and officers in the vicinity assisted the man by pressing on the wound with paper towels until an ambulance arrived.

The victim was transported to where he underwent surgery Thursday night to repair the wound. According to Conklin, his condition was reported as "not life threatening" on Friday morning. While at the hospital, employees found PCP in the pocket of the victim's pants. Conklin said that it is likely that he will face charges as a result.

Conklin said that officers weren't able to speak with the victim after the incident, but that they would interview him on Friday. According to witnesses, a black male in his mid-to-late 20s was seen running from the area. He was described as having a thin build and long dreadlocks. The motive behind the incident is unknown at this time, Conklin said, but police believe that the victim and his attacker know each other.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit, at 203-977-4417. All calls will be confidential.

Please check back with Stamford Patch for more updates to this story.