SMITHFIELD – A Smithfield police officer was stabbed after responding to an active disturbance. Officer A.E. Watts was dispatched to 301 S. Seventh Street around 8:53am Tuesday.
Police Chief Keith Powell said when Officer Watts arrived there was an active physical disturbance in progress and one person, Curtis Stratharn, had already been stabbed. Watts intervened and was stabbed in the arm.
Shawn Marshall is escorted to a Smithfield police car at 301 S. Seventh Street in Smithfield. Johnston County Report Photo
Officer Watts and Mr. Stratharn were transported to the hospital for treatment. Tuesday afternoon, the Smithfield officer was released from the hospital. Stratharn remains hospitalized in stable condition recovering from a stab wound to the abdomen.
The suspect, Shawn Marshall, was taken into custody at the scene. Marshall was charged with felony assault inflicting serious injury on a law enforcement officer and felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. The 20 year-old man was confined in the Johnston County Jail under a $150,000 secured bond.
Watts was just awarded a citation by the Smithfield Chief. Prayers for him.