Drinking ends in stabbing

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Phil Stake
Staff writer

GALLUP — A 42-year-old man was stabbed Dec. 19. Ward Etsitty, who survived two knifings to the left and right of his spine, told police he had been drinking with two men in an alley near the west side Lowe’s, 200 Marguerite, when the beer ran out and an argument erupted. The two men, who are described as being in their 20s and wearing black or dark blue jackets, told Etsitty to “pull for them,” according to Gallup Police Officer Bernadette Halona’s report.

Etsitty refused, saying he was too drunk to buy. The men yelled and shoved Etsitty, who suddenly felt a sharp pain in his back. The other two men then ran away. Etsitty walked to Lowe’s where employees noticed blood dripping from the man’s jacket and called police.

He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.

Crimestoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the stabbing suspect or suspects.
Information: Crimestoppers 722-6161.