Early morning stabbing under investigation in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Two people were injured in an early morning stabbing incident in Cambridge.

At around 2:50 a.m., officers responded to the Holiday Inn in the 2700 block of Ocean Gateway for a reported stabbing. Officers located two subjects in the lobby of the hotel, both of whom were injured. One subject, identified as 36-year-old Riayn Safran, was reportedly bleeding profusely from the neck and was found to have stab wounds to the abdomen, ear/neck, left shoulder, and left arm. He was treated by EMS at the scene and was taken to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury for further treatment.

Safran reportedly told police that he and the other male subject were wrestling and the other subject stabbed him for no reason. Police then made contact with the other subject, identified as 38-year-old Daniel Ridgeway, who allegedly pulled out a knife from his pocket and threw it to the ground as officers approached. Ridgeway told officers that an argument had broken out between him and Safran, during which Safran had attacked Ridgeway and started strangling him. Ridgeway told police that the altercation ended, but Safran started another confrontation, at which point Ridgeway stabbed him.

Further investigation led police to find blood on the elevator and on the second story floor hallway, leading police to the pair’s rented room. Surveillance cameras recorded the incident, showing both subjects appearing to be agitated. At the entrance to the room, police say a fight ensued, and Ridgeway was pulled into the hallway while holding a knife. The two then got into a physical altercation, during which Ridgeway was seen making several stabbing motions at Safran. Safran then threw Ridgeway to the ground, hitting him several times and getting on top on him. Ridgeway then was seen stabbing Safran in the neck before Safran grabbed Ridgeway’s arms and pinned them to the ground, hitting him again in the head and grabbing his neck. Safran then backed off Ridgeway and was seen making his way to the stairwell to the front lobby to get help. Ridgeway was seen going back to the room where he called down to the lobby for help.

Ridgeway was arrested on a warrant after being released from TidalHealth. He was charged with attempted first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, reckless endangerment, and dangerous weapon with intent to injure.

Police say an application of charges has also been completed on Safran.