MIDDLETOWN — A 28-year-old Middletown man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a visitor he met through an online dating app multiple times at his apartment.
Reggie Florence was arrested following the incident that occurred Sunday evening at Sutton Hill Apartments on Underhill Road, according to a press release from the Middletown Police Department.
Police were initially dispatched to 47 Underhill Road at approximately 7:05 p.m. Sunday for a reported noise complaint.
A second caller then contacted police reporting a possible dispute with subjects fighting and yelling.
Officers arrived and were directed to Apartment L, where they heard noise consistent with a struggle.
Police were let into the apartment and found two subjects inside, both bleeding profusely and suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Officers immediately rendered life-saving medical assistance and requested Emergency Medical Services.
Both subjects were transported to Garnet Health Medical Center via Empress Ambulance.
Police say the two subjects were not previously known to each other and had arranged to meet at Florence’s apartment through an online dating app.
The victim was visiting from Nassau County.
During their interaction, Florence allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times in the back, neck, face and abdomen.
A struggle over the knife ensued, resulting in Florence also receiving stab wounds.
The victim received life-threatening injuries, including a collapsed lung and facial lacerations that are expected to result in the loss of the victim’s right eye.
The victim was transferred from Garnet Health Medical Center to Westchester Medical Center for surgery and advanced trauma care.
Police are not releasing the victim’s name.
Florence’s injuries were non-life threatening, and he was treated and released from the hospital.
Florence has been charged with attempted murder in the second degree, a Class A-I felony, and assault in the first degree, a Class B felony.
He is currently awaiting arraignment.
