Warrant issued against city man in connection with stabbing in Manchester

Feb. 12— A warrant has been issued for a city man in connection with an early morning stabbing downtown that left one man with life-threatening injuries Sunday, officials said.

Manchester Police say Desmel Cooper, 40, of Manchester, was charged with first degree assault and felon in possession of a deadly weapon.

Around 1 a.m. Sunday, Manchester police responded to Knutfield Lane behind 603 Bar and Grill, 1087 Elm St., for a report of a fight.

Upon arrival officers reported that the fight was breaking up, but several people began yelling that someone had been stabbed.

Police said a 37-year-old man was found lying on the ground bleeding and “losing consciousness,” Manchester police spokeswoman Heather Hamel said in an email.

The victim, who police said suffered multiple stab wounds, was taken to Elliott Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, witnesses told officers at the scene that the victim and several other people were arguing inside 603 Bar and Grill, then walked into the parking lot where the argument continued.

Manchester police said they believed it was “an isolated incident and all parties involved have been identified.”

The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information about the circumstances of the stabbing is asked to contact Manchester Police at 603-668-8711 or Manchester Crimeline at 603-624-4040.