Suspect Apprehended in Stabbing Near Va. Navy Base

Police have arrested an active service member wanted in a Friday morning stabbing near a Virginia naval base that left another service member in critical condition.

The suspect, 26-year-old William Harwell, is an active-duty 3rd class petty officer, NBC affiliate WAVY reported. Harwell was taken into custody without incident late Friday afternoon at 26th Street and Pacific Avenue at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

A cell phone related to the stabbing had pinged at the Oceanfront, leading police to the area, WAVY reported.

The stabbing was reported around 8:30 a.m. at Naval Support Activity Portsmouth Annex, home to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

A service member identified as Justin Powell was hospitalized in critical condition after the stabbing. The motive for the attack is unknown, and Powell remained in critical condition after surgery.

Traffic in and out of the base was halted as police combed the area, searching for Harwell throughout the day.

The annex is home to the nation's first naval medical center.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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