A stabbing suspect was arrested at the scene of the crime in New Smyrna Beach on Sunday, according to a release from the Volusia Sheriff's Office. 27-year-old Corey Cotton is accused of stabbing the victim eleven times. According to the VSO, the incident occurred Sunday evening in a transient camp near the intersection of Findley Street and Old Mission Road. The victim was a 33-year-old man.
The first emergency responder to arrive, the VSO said, was one of their own sergeants. This sergeant reportedly treated the victim by applying towels to their neck. The victim had sustained stab wounds to both their neck and torso in the attack. Soon thereafter the New Smyrna Beach Police Department also arrived, providing further treatment to the victim with a trauma kit.
A VSO sergeant and an officer with the New Smyrna Beach Police Department were able to locate suspect Corey Cotton in the vicinity of the crime, and placed him under arrest without incident. They reportedly discovered a folding knife still wet with blood on his person. The victim, meanwhile, was transported to the hospital via Volusia Air One. He was said to have been in critical condition, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Cotton is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail with no bond, having been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Prior to this incident Cotton has over a dozen previous bookings in Volusia County on charges such as grand theft with a firearm, armed burglary, assault, indecent exposure, and assault on a law enforcement officer.
