Published: April 02, 2009 12:09 am      

Grant Town man charged with stabbing

FAIRMONT — A Grant Town man has been arrested and charged with stabbing another individual after an altercation Tuesday night.

Duane Jabber Martin, 24, was charged with malicious or unlawful assault, according to the criminal complaint on file at the Marion County Magistrate Clerk’s office. Martin allegedly stabbed the male victim in an apartment building on Main Street in Grant Town at approximately 9:20 p.m., said Police Chief Matt Biggie.

Biggie said Martin and the victim were involved in an altercation, at which time the suspect pulled a folding knife from his pocket, the complaint reads. The knife’s blade was approximately 3 inches long, Biggie said. The suspect then allegedly stabbed the victim one time in the left part of his chest.

“It started as a verbal altercation and then it evidently got heated,” Biggie said.

The victim was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he was treated. According to a spokesperson for the hospital, the victim was released.

Biggie said Martin was arrested at his parents’ residence on Paw Paw Street shortly after the alleged stabbing. Martin did not resist arrest, Biggie said.

Biggie said he is very surprised that a stabbing occurred in the small town. He added that it is out of the ordinary to have that type of violent crime occur in Grant Town.

“Grant Town is a quiet, respectful and law-abiding town,” Biggie said.

Martin was arraigned before a Marion County Magistrate judge. His bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety. As of press time on Wednesday, Martin had not posted bond and was being housed in the North Central Regional Jail.

If convicted, Martin could be sentenced to two to 10 years in a state penitentiary.

E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.