PORT ST. LUCIE – Two men were arrested May 28 on felony aggravated assault and criminal mischief charges following an altercation where one stabbed another man outside a home, according to Port St. Lucie Police reports.
At about 4:11 p.m., officers responded to the 7000 block of Northwest Selvitz Road, Port St. Lucie regarding a reported stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers learning that an altercation happened, involving several family members. Preliminary investigation revealed the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the 43-year-old male victim and family members Alaa Qasem, 35, and Imad Abed Qasem. 39.
Investigators learned that the three confronted each other near a swale and started to fight, during which the victim pulled out a knife and stabbed Alaa Qasem as Alaa Qasem was trying to flee from the attack, causing injuries which required medical attention, according to police reports.
Alaa Qasem was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police reports.
During the investigation, which involved questioning family members, investigators found the knife believed to be used during the incident; a damaged cell phone; and other items related to the case, including a metal bar inside the involved vehicle parked nearby.
Imad Qasem was taken to the St. Lucie County Jail where he is being held on a $7,500 bond as of May 29, according to jail records. Alaa Qasem is currently in police custody while he is still receiving medical treatment at Lawnwood, as of May 29, according to police reports.
The investigation remains active. More charges are possible as detectives continue to review evidence and conduct follow-up interviews.