Police Say Man Stabbed at Silver Spring Post Office Over Cutting in Line

A 67-year-old man stabbed a 58-year-old man outside of the at 13217 New Hampshire Ave. Thursday because the man thought the victim had cut in line, police said.

Officers were called to the scene at 2:18 p.m. Thursday.

The suspect was waiting in line when he observed the victim step in front of him to complete his business, police said. The victim had previously been working with a postal service employee and had stepped aside to finish some paperwork. He was motioned back to the counter by an employee, police said.

The suspect interpreted the action as cutting in line, police said, and waited outside of the post office under the vestibule for the victim to come outside. When the suspect spotted the victim, he attacked him, police said.

Two female postal workers tried to break up the fight, according to police, and at least one of the employees pepper sprayed the suspect. 

“The actions of these employees may have saved the life of, but most definitely assisted in preventing further injury to, the victim,” police officials wrote in a press statement.

Police found the victim suffering from “multiple” stab wounds when they arrived at the scene.

Police found a suspect about a mile away, near the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Route 29. His name has not been released because he has not been formally charged.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.