PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. (Warren County) — A man is facing attempted homicide and multiple assault charges after a stabbing early Saturday morning in Phillipsburg that left three people injured, including one with life-threatening injuries, according to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities said Phillipsburg police responded to a residence on the 7 block of Brainard Street around 5:45 a.m. on June 21 after receiving a report of a stabbing. Officers entered the home, immediately stopped the assault in progress, and took the suspect into custody.
Two victims were initially found at the scene with stab wounds. Medical aid was rendered, and both were transported to a local hospital. A third victim was later identified and also taken for medical treatment.
An investigation determined that all individuals involved were known to one another. The suspect, identified as Pierce, also had an active warrant stemming from an incident in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Pierce was charged on a complaint warrant with first-degree attempted homicide, second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and being a fugitive from justice.
He is currently being held at the Warren County Correctional Center in Belvidere. A pretrial detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 30.
The case is being investigated by the Phillipsburg Police Department and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Warren County Regional Crime Scene Team.
According to the prosecutor’s office, a first-degree crime in New Jersey carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Second-degree crimes can result in up to 10 years, third-degree up to 5 years, and fourth-degree up to 18 months.
