Patterson Officer Stabbed While Trying To Make Arrest

PATTERSON, La. (AP) — A Patterson police officer has been hospitalized after he was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a shoplifting suspect.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle tells local media that Corporal Kevin Stewart responded at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to a call about a shoplifter at a business.

Stewart attempted to arrest the suspect, identified as Tim Duval. However, LaSalle says that's when Duval wrestled Stewart's pepper spray from his grip and began to stab Stewart in the face with a steak knife.

Duval then allegedly used the pepper spray against Stewart.

LaSalle says Stewart was able to recover the pepper spray from Duval and arrest him. Stewart was taken to Teche Regional Medical Center and was expected to be released Thursday evening.

It's unclear if Duval has an attorney.

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