New Bedford Panhandlers Argue Over Territory, Results in Stabbing

New Bedford Police have arrested a homeless man after he allegedly stabbed a fellow panhandler.

Det. Lt. John Chaves says police received a report around 7:30am Wednesday morning of two panhandlers fighting over territory at the intersection of Coggeshall Street and the I-195 on and off ramp.

During the argument, one of the panhandlers pulled out a kitchen knife and slashed the other man across the hand and then fled on foot. The 55-year-old victim was treated for minor injuries on the scene.

Police recovered the knife used in the slashing in the bushes nearby Market Basket.

Several hours later, police located the suspect, 37-year-old Timothy Guillette, formerly of Acushnet, near the octopus intersection downtown. Guillette is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.