Bushmill Tavern Stabbing: 2 Charged With Attempted Murder

ABINGDON, MD — Authorities have charged men from Bel Air and Abingdon with attempted murder stemming from a stabbing at Bushmill Tavern in the 4000 block of Philadelphia Road. An argument just after 2 a.m. on March 7 let one man suffering from a stab wound to the upper body, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. The Abingdon Fire Company took the victim to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

He had been treated and released by 7 a.m. on Thursday following the after-hours stabbing in the parking lot of the business, according to the Bushmill Tavern.

Detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division learned the victim and others argued in the Bushmill Tavern, the confrontation continued outside, became physical and the victim was stabbed. The attacker fled before deputies arrived.

Arrest warrants were issued for John Delmer Knopp, 38, of Bel Air, and Dominic Leon Sykes, 39, of Abingdon on March 8 and deputies took both men into custody a day later. Knopp and Sykes were taken to the Harford County Detention Center; both are being held without bond.

Knopp is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Sykes is charged with attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Investigators ask anyone with information about the attack to call the Harford County Sheriff’s Office at 410-836-5436.

There is a Metro Crime Stoppers reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and charges filed. To remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $2,000, send a tip online to Metro Crime Stoppers or call Harford Crime Solvers at 1-888-540-8477.