Villanova University student stabbed in 'near-death' incident near Main Line bar

RADNOR TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Radnor Township police say they have been able to identify one of the three suspects involved in the stabbing of a Villanova University student that happened over the weekend.

But there still have not yet been any arrests linked to the stabbing of a Villanova student this past weekend.

But Radnor Police Superintendent Christopher Flanagan says the investigation is moving in the right direction.

"One subject we believe has been completely identified. Detectives are now looking for that subject to see if we can bring him in, get some questioning going on and align the proper charges," he said.

Earlier this week, police released surveillance camera videos of the three suspects in hopes that someone would recognize at least one of the men, particularly the suspect with this bright Balenciaga jacket.

And it paid off. Several people called with tips on the attackers.

The stabbing happened around 2 a.m. Saturday. the unidentified victim had just left Kelly's Taproom, a popular spot among Villanova students.

He told investigators he was walking down Prospect Avenue with a female friend when the three men catcalled her and verbally harassed them.

The victim told his friend to run. Seconds later, police say a verbal altercation turned physical and the student was stabbed in the chest.

The next day, Villanova University sent out an email alerting the campus to a stabbing that happened not far from the campus.

Police say the unidentified victim didn't realize he'd been stabbed until minutes later. He was rushed to Bryn Mawr Hospital where he remains in stable condition. But doctors told police the wound was a just millimeters away from killing him.

"This is a near-death situation. This could have very easily have been a homicide," Flanagan said.

The superintendent says they have names and addresses that they are working to confirm, but want to give the attackers an opportunity to do the right thing.

"The investigation is not done by any means. We want to get these guys off the street. If they are watching, come to turn yourself in; we will avoid a lot of different problems," Flanagan said.

We spoke with Villanova students Wednesday, asking them if this makes them concerned to walk off-campus late at night.

Some said not really.

Emma Bischoff, a Villanova Junior said, "I'm not that concerned just because it's a really safe area and it seems whatever is going on is under control."

Others admit this case has them rattled.

"It's definitely concerning because you feel very comfortable around this town. You feel like you know the people well enough. I do walk around that area all the time," said Anna Barsanti, a Villanova Junior.

"It's concerning to think it was so close to campus, and it's like a pretty well-known area, not like a tiny road or anything like that. So it's kind of concerning," added Meghan O'Donovan, a Villanova Junior.

The first suspect is described as a black male, early 20's, 6'2, thin build with white shirt, black jeans, white shoes, clean shaven, with dreadlocks. He was also reported to be wearing a navy blue "Balenciaga" jacket.

The second suspect is described as a black male, mid 20's, 5'8, medium build with a clean goatee, dark shirt and dark pants.

The third suspect is described as a black male, early 20's, 5'7, clean shaven, with glasses, wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information on any of the suspects is asked to call Radnor Township police at 610-688-0500.

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