Police: 2 stabbed in botched drug deal in Center City

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Police say a 57-year-old man is in custody in what they are calling a drug deal gone bad that ended in a double stabbing in Center City.

It happened around 6:30 p.m. Sunday along Broad Street near Arch Street.

Police say an 18-year-old male was stabbed in the hand, and a 21-year-old man suffered a gash wound to the chest.

"Stabbed one kid in his hand, and one kid in his mouth," said Michael Rodriguez of Tioga. "Literally just like a slash right here in his lip."

A man we spoke to says he watched as the victims then turned the tables on their alleged attacker.

"They got him on the ground and started kicking him," said Dan Colajezzi of Center City. "They were all kicking him, and I thought they were jumping a homeless guy."

Both victims were taken to Hahnemann University Hospital where they are listed in stable condition.

Witnesses say the victims were part of a group that appeared to be celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

"All dressed in green, you know, they're down here drinking," said Colajezzi. "You could smell the alcohol."

Earlier this morning a 24-year-old who was also celebrating the holiday with friends was stabbed and killed in Rittenhouse Square.