UPDATE: One injured, one in custody following reported stabbing in Fruitland

Law Enforcement is investigating a reported stabbing, that happened Monday morning in Fruitland, leaving one man injured, and another behind bars.

The Wicomico Bureau of Investigation says on Monday morning, around 7:30 AM, Deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Fruitland Police Department, responded to reports of an assault on Disharoon Road. Once on scene, Investigators say they met with a witness, and the victim, Stephen Byrd, who had numerous lacerations about his body. 

The Fruitland Fire Department reportedly then rushed Byrd to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment. During that treatment, Investigators say Byrd identified 59-year-old George Sterling, as the one who assaulted him with a machete.

Law enforcement at the scene, apparently continued searching the area, and found Sterling walking out of the wood line, near the crime scene. He reportedly had blood on his clothing.

Detectives say they spoke with the witness, who said that he was driving on Disharoon Road, when he noticed Byrd lying on the ground under a trailer. According to the report, as the witness approached, he saw Byrd get out from the underside of the trailer, and run towards him. Byrd was apparently covered on blood. Investigators say the witness continued, saying that a second person, later identified as Sterling, was standing on the opposite side of the trailer, holding a large machete.

Sterling then apparently ran around the trailer after Byrd, while the witness called Police. Sterling reportedly fled the scene, South on Route 13.

WBI Detective Tom Funk gave 47 ABC some insight as to what may have led to the incident.

“The altercation took place between two gentlemen who did know each other. It involved a slashing and possible stabbing.” Said Funk. “At this point we believe it’s financial related. There’s definitely some details we need to work out, but at this point it seems to be financial.”

According to the report, Byrd suffered extensive injuries to his left arm, which was partially severed. He also apparently had a large laceration to the left side of his chest, along with extensive internal injuries. Police said at nearly 1:00 PM, Byrd was still in surgery at PRMC.

Investigators say the suspect, Sterling, is in custody, and has been charged with attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder, assault first and second degree, and wear and carry deadly weapon-machete.