Suspect involved in stabbing of deputy sheriff tracked down in nearby library

A suspect involved in the stabbing of a Palm Beach County deputy is now in custody, according to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

PBSO told WPTV the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday near Lake Worth Plaza when an off-duty officer was stabbed twice, once in the arm and once in the chest.

PBSO Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said another off-duty deputy was near the scene and tended to the injured officer. The suspect then took a deputy's car and fled the scene.

The suspect abandoned his vehicle about a mile down Jog Road and was found hiding in the bathroom of the Greenacres branch of the Palm Beach County Library.

Bradshaw said the county's Homeless Intervention Team has been a big help in the search. PBSO showed the team a picture of the suspect, and since the team recognized his face, they said he was hanging out near the Greenacres Library.

“The homeless intervention team works with [the homeless] so much so that they know pretty much who is where, who is where, so there is a lot of concern,” Bradshaw said.

PBSO then went to a nearby homeless encampment and asked if the suspect looked familiar. People at the encampment confirmed that he frequently goes to the library.

According to PBSO, the deputy is in critical but stable condition.

“Fortunately, the deputy will be OK,” Bradshaw said. “He's going to have surgery to repair his liver. Ultimately, it was a good arrest and a good outcome.”

The knife used in the stabbing has not yet been found. The PBSO will use police dogs to locate the weapon.

Bradshaw said the suspect could face charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and attempted murder of a police officer.

This is a developing story, stay with WPTV News for updates.

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