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A man in Sterling was stabbed with a letter opener during an altercation on Saturday night (December 6). According to the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 hang-up call around 10:39 p.m. at a residence where they found Russell C. Patchen, 61, outside with a head injury and a male victim inside with stab wounds.
Investigators reported that Patchen was involved in a physical fight with a woman when the male victim attempted to intervene. Patchen allegedly stabbed the man with a letter opener and continued the attack until the victim struck him with a glass ashtray, allowing him to escape. Medical personnel treated the victim at the scene, but he declined hospital transport.
Patchen was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both D felonies. He was taken to Auburn Community Hospital for treatment before being processed at the Cayuga County Public Safety Building. Bail was set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond, which Patchen posted on Monday. He is scheduled to appear in Sterling Town Court at a later date.
The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information related to the incident and encourages anyone with details to contact them at 315-253-1222 or through their online tip portal.