The alleged stabber has been identified by USVI police as Akil Gumbs, age 35. Photo: VIPD

According to Mr Dratte, who was reached by The Consortium to get clarity as to what really occurred, the victim — who arrived at the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital at 3:07 P.M. for treatment — told police that he was exiting a place of business in Cruz Bay when he observed a couple having a scuffle.

Mr Dratte, clarifying a press release issued on Sunday, said the victim then saw the suspect throw a punch at the female, and decided to step in and stop the fight. But the suspect, identified by police as Akil Gumbs, age 35, pulled out a knife from the back of his waist and stabbed the suspect in his abdomen. The victim was taken into surgery, according to Mr Dratte.

Mr Gumbs was arrested for third-degree assault. Unable to make bail (amount was not released), he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advise-of-rights hearing.

Police area asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of individuals suspected of perpetrating criminal acts to contact 911, or Crime Stoppers USVI, where your tip may net you a payday.