Woman stabbed then attacked with bleach by her roommate in Nicetown, police say

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police say a violent confrontation between two roommates early Wednesday left a 19-year-old woman critically injured after she was doused with bleach and stabbed multiple times.

Capt. John Craig of Northwest Detectives described the scene as officers arrived on the 4200 block of Hicks Street just before 2 a.m.

"This was a very brutal scene. This victim is fortunate to be alive, frankly," he said.

According to investigators, the 19-year-old was stabbed in the neck and back and was gravely wounded. Police say her 26-year-old roommate attacked her during an argument that escalated quickly.

Officers immediately began lifesaving efforts.

"Seconds mean lives in this line of work. They immediately put her in the police vehicle and got to Temple Hospital within moments," Craig said.

Police say the older woman threw bleach on the victim, struck her with her hands and fists, and stabbed her multiple times.

As officers rushed the victim to the hospital, investigators at the scene worked with witnesses to identify the attacker.

Police say they quickly determined who they were looking for and found the 26-year-old suspect not far from where the stabbing occurred. She is now in custody and facing aggravated assault and other charges.

The victim remains in critical condition.