Phoenixville Man Charged With Attacking, Stabbing Father

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A Phoenixville man is behind bars after authorities say he attacked and brutally stabbed his father Monday in Downingtown.

Michael Blough, 43, has been charged with aggravated assault, possessing an instrument of crime and other related offenses.

His father, a 70-year-old man, sustained severe injuries and was taken to Paoli Hospital, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

“This is a devastating family tragedy for everyone involved. We are grateful to the many law enforcement agencies who assisted," said Deb Ryan, Chester County district attorney.

On Monday, Upper Uwchlan police said they were called to Founders Way in Downingtown for the report of an assault.

Once on scene, police said they determined that Blough grabbed his father by the neck, forcefully threw him to the floor and stabbed him in the back. He also reportedly assaulted two other victims.

According to the district attorney's office, after commands to stop were ignored, police tasered the defendant three times but were unsuccessful. Two knives were later found at the crime scene.

Police said Blough fled the house and swam across the lake at Marsh Creek State Park.

Authorities said a trained crisis negotiator from the West Chester Regional Emergency Response Team spent several hours talking with Blough, who appeared to be in a mental health crisis. After failing to comply with commands, police tasered Blough and took him into custody.

“This volatile and fluctuating situation put the lives of all of those nearby at risk. My department is very appreciative of the quick actions of neighboring law enforcement to help us ensure that no one else got hurt," said Upper Uwchlan Police Chief John DeMarco. "Officers train extensively to address these situations to have a favorable outcome, which is evident with this particular incident.”

Blough is currently being held at Chesco Prison on $200,000 cash bail.