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Stabbing leads to arrest of man, 27

Police say the suspect and victim, who was hospitalized, were acquainted and had been arguing Thursday evening.

By JACOB H. FRIES
Published August 12, 2006

LARGO - A 27-year-old Clearwater man was arrested early Friday on an attempted murder charge after he confronted a man in the street and stabbed him in the back, police said.

Maurik Otto, 25, survived the attack and was in fair condition at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, officials said. He could not be reached for comment.

Ersper Joseph Route, the man accused of stabbing him, was being held without bail at the Pinellas County Jail. County records show he has previously been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

The stabbing unfolded about 11:45 p.m. Thursday on Second Street SW, southwest of West Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard. According to Largo police, this is how it happened:

Otto and his girlfriend went to visit a relative in the area, where they encountered Route. Otto and Route, who have a history of disputes, began to argue. When Route threatened to kill him, Otto left the house with his girlfriend and walked south on Second Street SW.

Route pursued the couple and stabbed Otto in the back with a knife. Police who were called to the scene found Route still in the neighborhood and arrested him.

[Last modified August 12, 2006, 07:12:56]