Authorities in Centre County say a Port Matilda man is behind bars following an early morning stabbing at a State College apartment complex.
Police say officers were dispatched to the Parkway Plaza Apartments, around 1 a.m. Monday, for a report of a 16-year-old boy who had been stabbed.
According to the affidavit, police say the teen told officers that he had been assaulted inside one of the apartments by a man later identified as 18-year-old Emanuel Cespedes.
Investigators say police learned that the teen, and two other juveniles, had reportedly been “hanging out” with Cespedes inside the apartment.
Police say the victim had reportedly stepped out onto the balcony, and when he returned, Cespedes allegedly punched him in the face.
Authorities say the victim then stated that he “suddenly realized” that Cespedes was striking him with what was believed to be a machete.
“You set me up to get robbed,” Cespedes reportedly yelled during the assault.
Police say the three juveniles were then able to flee the apartment, but not before Cespedes allegedly stole the victim’s backpack.
Authorities say the victim suffered multiple lacerations to his shoulder, arm and ankle, and was transported to UPMC Altoona for further treatment.
Police say Cespedes was later found inside his vehicle along Pugh Street but was initially let go following a traffic stop.
Following the traffic stop, police say one of the officers realized that Cespedes matched the description of the teen’s alleged attacker.
Authorities say Cespedes was then taken into custody at his home in Port Matilda and was arraigned on charges of aggravated assault, robbery and simple assault.
According to online court records, he is being held at the Centre County Prison on $150,000 bail.
