Jamestown police are looking for a Worcester, Mass., man who they believed stabbed a city resident inside a Franklin Street home early Thursday morning.
The suspect is 34-year-old Luis E. Melendez, who previously lived in Jamestown and had since relocated to New England.
Around 4:18 a.m., police and medics were called to 14 Franklin St. near Jamestown High School for a reported stabbing. Medics attempted to stabilize the victim, who has only been identified as a male city resident, and took him to WCA Hospital for treatment.
"This was not a random act of violence, and the suspect did know the people who lived there," said JPD Capt. Robert Samuelson. "We believe he may still be in the area, and he should be approached with caution as he already committed one act of violence."
The attack did take place while there were children in the home, Samuelson said, although it is unknown if any of them witnessed the actual attack. Melendez reportedly fled prior to the 911 call and the victim is listed in serious but stable condition.
Jamestown police currently hold an arrest warrant for Melendez on a first-degree burglary charge, and other charges will likely be leveled in the future based on the findings of the investigation.
A November 2009 home invasion at 14 Franklin St. rattled a woman and her children, although they were reportedly unharmed in the incident. Samuelson said those residents moved out shortly after that and the victims are of no relation to the prior tenants.
The JPD is asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of Melendez to call the detective's bureau at 483-7537 or the department's tip line at 483-TIPS.
Information can be submitted online on Facebook, MySpace or via e-mail at jpdfio@yahoo.com. Tips can also be submitted under the public safety section of the city's Web site at www.jamestownny.net.
All information can be submitted anonymously and will be treated confidentially.
