Man arrested for stabbing; victim recovering

SIKESTON -- A Matthews man is in jail after stabbing a Sikeston resident early Friday morning.

Christopher Harrigan, 37, is charged with first degree assault and armed criminal action in connection with the stabbing of Steven Vanvickle, 31. Harrigan was taken into custody at 1:45 p.m. Friday in New Madrid County, according to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

Sikeston DPS officers were notified at 2:15 a.m. Friday of a victim of multiple stab wounds by officials with the emergency room at Missouri Delta Medical Center. The victim, Vanvickle, identified Harrigan as the attacker.

Vanvickle reportedly told officers he met Harrigan at a local truck stop when he had stopped for fuel. Vanvickle, who was familiar with Harrigan, said when Harrigan asked for a ride to Wilson Street in Sikeston, he agreed.

"As they exited the parking lot, Vanvickle believed Harrigan laced his drink with methamphetamine while he was fueling," said DPS Sgt. Jon Broom in a news release. "Vanvickle believed this because after he took a drink of his soda, Harrigan made some comments about putting something in his drink. Vanvickle threw his drink away and drove Harrigan to Wilson Street."

The victim said when they arrived at Wilson Street, Harrison became aggressive and began punching and hitting. According to Vanvickle, that was when he was stabbed.

For the full story, see the Standard Democrat Weekend edition.