A 44-year-old man is in custody after police said he fatally stabbed a person and assaulted an 11-year-old on Christmas Day.
The stabbing happened at a home in the 200 block of Linway Avenue NW. Police said when they arrived on scene the victim, identified as Jason Gruno, 34, was already dead.
Police said Richard Schmidt of Canton fled the scene of the stabbing and went to a Speedway gas station on Lincolnway East where police say he stole a car from a woman who was pumping gas. A 10- and 11-year-old child were inside the car, but were able to escape.
"He was looking at getting away at all costs and thankfully the children were able to successfully get out the vehicle," said Perry Township Police Chief Michael Pomesky. "There's no telling what could've happened to him had they not been able to escape."
Schmidt was located in Canton after the incident, police said.
The child was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was released.
Schmidt is charged with murder, robbery, assault and tampering with evidence. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday.
