PROVO, Utah – Two people were taken to a hospital for stab wounds and a woman was allegedly assaulted after two men forced their way into a Provo apartment while armed with knives, and both of those men have been booked into jail on charges that include attempted homicide.
Police in Provo said the incident occurred Friday around 6 p.m. at the Boulders Apartments in the area of 750 South and 650 West. The caller stated two male suspects had stabbed a female victim and were still armed with knives. An officer arrived on scene a short time later.
The responding officer was directed to the area of the attack by several witnesses at the apartment complex, and he found one of the suspects–who had fresh blood on his shoes, pants, jacket, hands and face. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Markese Roberson of Salt Lake City, did not cooperate initially and attempted to flee, but he eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.
Police then went to the apartment, which they found “covered in blood”, according to a press release from the Provo Police Department. Police investigated and learned that Roberson and another suspect, 52-year-old Gregory Anderson, had allegedly kicked in the door and confronted the man and woman who were inside. Police stated, “The victims are acquaintances of the suspects and have had prior dealings with them.”
The suspects allegedly punched, stabbed and even briefly strangled the two people inside the apartment. The woman suffered stab wounds to her face and arms, and the man was stabbed near the right eye, on his back and on his arms. During the assault, another female Provo resident entered the apartment, and she was allegedly punched by Roberson soon after. She fell to the ground, and the two suspects continued to assault her, the press release stated.
The other two victims fled as this was happening and found someone with a cell phone and called 911. After police arrived, the two victims who were stabbed were taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Police had previously stated three people had been treated at hospitals, but they provided updated information Saturday.
Anderson was booked into the Utah County Jail for attempted homicide and aggravated burglary. Roberson was booked for attempted homicide, aggravated burglary and unlawful possession of a financial transaction card. Roberson was also booked on two prior warrants for aggravated assault and possession with the intent to distribute.
Police stated that they have been given differing accounts about the motive for the attack, but they said it appears the altercation stemmed from some sort of debt. FOX 13 News will have more information as it becomes available.
