Man Wanted in Connection with 2012 Stabbing Turns Himself In

A man wanted for an alleged stabbing in 2012 turned himself in to Newport police on Monday, telling police that he had been in Puerto Rico since then but he was now back in Newport and wanted to do the right thing.

Police said Nelson Sanchez, 21, formerly of Admiral Kalfbus Road, Newport, walked into the police lobby at around 9:18 p.m. on Monday.

Sanchez said that he had just gotten back from Puerto Rico and went to the courthouse earlier in the day. He said he was aware that there was a warrant for his arrest and was wiling to talk about the charge against him but claimed to have no knowledge of the crime.

According to the 2012 police report, detectives investrigated a stabbing in Festival Field the night of Sept. 16.

The victim, identified as a 25-year-old man, survived the stabbing, but was not cooperative with police during the investigation.

Police said the victim was stabbed in the back of the head with a broken Heineken bottle during a large fight that involved upwards of 100 people.

The thorough investigation entailed numerous interviews and witness statements and Sanchez was picked out of a police photo lineup. As a result of the investigation, Newport police got a warrant for Sanchez’ arrest shortly after the incident.

Police said they were unable to locate Sanchez, who apparently had fled the mainland.

Court records show Sanchez has been busy clearing up pending issues in Rhode Island courts.

A June 2012 charge of possessing alcohol as a minor out of Barrington will now be heard on June 26 in Sixth Division District Court, a Sept. 2012 shoplifting charge out of Newport will be heard on June 24, a DUI charge out of Middletown from Aug. of 2012 will be heard on June 12 and the felony assault charge out of Newport for the Festival Field incident will be heard on July 17, according to court records.

Sanchez is currently free on surety bail.