Updated: Lexington men charged with stabbing someone. Victim in critical condition

Two Lexington men were arrested Thursday after they allegedly stabbed someone, leaving the victim in critical condition, according to Lexington police.

Hunter Austin Townsend, 25, and Keith Merritt, 52, have both been charged with first degree assault in connection to the incident, according to jail records. They’re being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on $15,000 bonds.

Lexington police said they responded to the 2200 block of Versailles Road just after 3 p.m. Teusday for a report of an assault. A 28-year-old victim was found suffering from stab wounds.

Police said the victim had critical injuries.

Townsend and Merritt were captured with the help of a Flock license plate camera, according to police. Flock cameras capture license plates and are used by investigators to find vehicles that have been connected to crimes.

Townsend’s arrest citation said he stabbed another individual with a knife after getting into an altercation. The victim’s injuries were life-threatening and he’s listed in critical condition, according to court documents.

Townsend and Merritt were arrested Thursday, court and jail records show.

Townsend admitted to the accusations during an interview with police, court documents say. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance on the charges Friday afternoon.

This story was originally published January 6, 2023 at 8:58 AM.