Man Accused Of Stabbing Man Twice After Kicking In Apartment Door

MANCHESTER, NH - Cecil Harding, 40 of Manchester was arraigned in Hillsborough County Court for First Degree Assault in connection to an alleged stabbing on Thursday.

Manchester police, fire, and AMR responded to Welch Ave near Elm Street Thursday for a reported stabbing. When they arrived police found two males struggling on the ground. The males were separated and on further investigation, it was discovered one of the males had been stabbed.

Court documents say that Cecil “Cess” Harding went an apartment of “B.N.” who described Harding as an old friend. Harding asked to spend the night at the apartment. When Harding arrived at the apartment it is alleged he had several bags of heroin and needles in a bag. “B.N.” asked him to leave upon observing these items.

The residents of the apartment said that Harding returned to the apartment, and kicked in the locked door, and was carrying a large stick. Harding began to threaten the residents who feared for their lives and the resident grabbed a small kitchen knife. The resident chased Harding out of the apartment onto Welch Ave where Harding tripped and dropped the stick.

Harding allegedly picked up a brick and began swinging it at the resident and a physical struggle began. It is reported Harding took the knife from the resident and stabbed him, and bit him on the arm. The resident held Harding to the ground because “he thought Cess was going to kill him”.

The resident was transported to Catholic Medical Center where he was treated for a stab wound to his upper right arm, and hand. The victim was taken to surgery for what was described as non-life-threatening injuries.

Harding was transported to the hospital and treated for injuries and released to Manchester Police who arrested him on First Degree Assault. Harding’s address is listed as the Families In Transition shelter on Manchester Street.

He was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond, required to stay away from the victim’s residence, and sign a waiver of extradition.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news