Man Stabbed In Downtown Manchester Incident After Cell Phone Theft

MANCHESTER, NH — A stabbing in downtown Manchester sent a 36-year-old man to the hospital with a stab wound while a 28-year-old was arrested a few blocks from the incident Thursday.

Police, fire, and EMS responded at 4:50 p.m. to Pine and High Street for a man on his back suffering from a stab wound. The man was treated at the scene and then transported to a local hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. The victim is in stable condition, according to police, and is expected to recover.

In speaking with witnesses, police learned the victim had been playing basketball in Pulaski Park and put his cell phone on the ground while he played. An unknown man stole his phone, and the victim chased after him, according to MPD Spokesperson Heather Hamel.

Police located a man meeting the description in the area of Elm and Spring streets and identified Leonardo Phillips, 28, of Manchester. Police found a pocket knife in Phillip’s possession, according to Hamel, and had probable cause to arrest Phillips and charge him with first-degree assault.

Manchester Police Chief Alan Aldenberg expressed frustration in a statement about the suspect being out on bail.

“Once again, an offender with multiple sets of bail conditions, a history of arrests for violent crime, and prior failures to appear in court was free in the community and committed a violent offense,” Aldenberg said, “our police officers made another quick arrest in this case, but we need the rest of the criminal justice system to act appropriately to help prevent these kinds of crimes by ensuring community safety.”

Later on Thursday police, fire and EMS responded to 452 Pine St. for a stabbing, the Thursday night location is less than a block from the earlier stabbing.

Responders located two men who were suffering from injuries from an apparent altercation. Police interviewed several people at the scene while EMS treated both men for injuries, neither man was transported to the hospital. It is unclear if there were any charges related to the incident.

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