Two suspects are in custody after a stabbing on Interstate 476 Sunday evening triggered a police pursuit, a crash involving a Lower Merion police officer and a temporary lockdown at Villanova University.
The incident began around 5:35 p.m. Sept. 6 on the southbound Blue Route near Exit 13 in the Radnor Township and Lower Merion Township area.
Investigators said a fight broke out between people traveling in a U-Haul truck and a person in a dark-colored Mercedes-Benz. During the confrontation, one person was stabbed in the stomach.
Police responded to the highway and began searching for the people who left the scene in the U-Haul. Lower Merion police also became involved as the pursuit moved through the area.
During the response, a Lower Merion police officer was involved in a crash near Pennswood Road and Montgomery Avenue. The officer was taken to a hospital for evaluation. No serious condition was immediately reported.
The suspects later abandoned the U-Haul and continued on foot toward the Bryn Mawr area, according to investigators. Police also recovered a knife believed to be connected to the incident.
The search brought a significant police presence near Villanova University. The university issued a shelter-in-place alert before placing the campus under lockdown as officers searched nearby areas.
The university said the precaution was taken because police were searching for a suspected attacker in the area. Students and others on campus were instructed to remain in place while the search continued.
One suspect was taken into custody without incident in the area of Lancaster Avenue, while another suspect was also captured during the police operation. Both suspects are now in custody.
The campus lockdown was lifted after police determined there was no longer a threat to the community.
The person who was stabbed suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Investigators have not publicly released the victim’s identity.
Authorities have not yet said what led to the original confrontation on I-476. The circumstances surrounding the stabbing remain under investigation.
Pennsylvania State Police are handling the investigation, with local departments assisting with the pursuit and search.
Additional details, including potential charges and the identities of the suspects, are expected as the investigation continues.
