Crime & Safety

Sparta Man Accused of Stabbing Roommate in the Chest

Kevin Rios, 22, is in Sussex County Jail, facing aggravated assault, weapons possession and other pending charges.

A Sparta man has been accused of stabbing his housemate in the chest Tuesday night in the Sparta Lake Development.

A 23-year-old man walked into police headquarters at about 8 p.m. Tuesday with a knife wound to the left side of his chest, according to Sgt. John-Paul Beebe. The man told officers he was attacked by Kevin Rios, 22, his roommate.

The victim, who also suffered cuts, abrasions and bruising to his face, was transported by the Sparta First Aid Squad and paramedics from St. Clare's Hospital in Sussex to Morristown Medical Center where he underwent surgery late Tuesday. Beebe said the man's current condition was not known on Wednesday.

Cpl. Louis Takacs and Officer Kurt Morris located Rios a short time later at his home where he was arrested without incident, Beebe said. Rios was found in possession of the knife used in the attack, Beebe said. Beebe described it as a folding knife with a 4-inch serrated blade.

Rios faces initial charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a weapon to use unlawfully against a person. His bail was set at $50,000 with no 10 percent option and he was remanded to the county jail.

Detectives from Sparta and from the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office executed search warrants early Wednesday on Rios’ residence and vehicle, where Beebe said more evidence was seized. The sergeant said these items have yet to be processed and additional charges are pending. 


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