Center City stabbing suspect jailed on $300,000 bail

CENTER CITY - January 7, 2011

William Berrioz, 23, of the 1300 block of North Dover Street, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and theft in the Thursday morning attack.

Police say he stabbed 64-year-old Ben Davis of Camden six times with an 8 1/2 inch long knife. Davis was last reported to be hospitalized in fair condition.

Investigators also say Berrioz punched and stomped a security guard who helped catch him after the stabbing at the Mellon Independence Center, formerly known as the Lit Brothers Building.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 24th.

Davis and his wife were at a hair salon for a regular appointment on Thursday. Davis would usually wait at a table at a nearby food court while his wife was in the salon.

This time, Davis went to a nearby men's room where he was allegedly approached by Berrioz.

There was a confrontation and Davis was stabbed multiple times, suffering stab wounds to the chest along with injuries to the hairline of his head and face.

Davis stumbled back to the hair salon where he collapsed as the owner started first aid.

"He staggered into our waiting room and he was bleeding profusely from the head and chest. I got towels, wet towels, compresses to try and stop the bleeding," said salon owner Billy Brocco

His assistant called 911 and rescuers arrived within five minutes, Brocco said.

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