The Pacers’ Chris Copeland was stabbed in the abdomen outside a club in New York City early Wednesday morning, according to police. Copeland’s wife was also slashed in the attack. The incident occurred at about 4 a.m. outside 1OAK club in Chelsea. Copeland is in New York for a Wednesday night game against the Knicks.
Via New York Daily News:
The man who was arrested, Shezoy Bleary, 22, pulled out a knife and stabbed Copeland, 31, and slashed 28-year-old Katrine Saltara, described by investigators as Copeland’s wife, in the arm and leg, the sources said.
The second woman, Catherine Somani, 53, was slashed in the abdomen, the sources said.
Now, here’s where the story gets bizarre. Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha of the Atlanta Hawks were also arrested in the attack for obstructing governmental administration. According to police, the duo “refused to move when police tried to set up a crime scene.” Antic and Sefolosha had just flown into the city for a game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Hours earlier, they helped the Hawks defeat the Suns, 96-69.
Copeland and his wife, Katrine Saltara, are reportedly in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital. The man allegedly responsible for the attack, 22-year-old Shezoy Bleary, was arrested at the scene of the crime in possession of a knife.
UPDATE: 1OAK sent us the below statement, which claims that after reviewing the video footage, the stabbing took place further away from the club then initially reported. Also, Copeland’s driver apprehended the culprit.
“Mr. Copeland and his wife were accosted in front of Fulton Houses where the unfortunate incident occurred after an altercation with the perpetrator. As a committed community member and partner, 1OAK was fully cooperative with NYPD and a review of the video footage seems to reveal the incident did not originate from or surrounding the venue. Mr. Copeland’s driver sprang to accost and detain the apparent perpetrator and that individual is in police custody. The incident occurred beyond the view of our security. Once alerted the venue provided all assistance possible.”
Larry Bird also issued a statement from the Pacers’ organization:
“We are aware that Chris Copeland was injured early this morning in New York City. We are still gathering information and will update when we know more. Our thoughts are with Chris and those injured.”
