NORTH FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A man from Washington County is behind bars accused of stabbing his roommate several times after an argument over the television early this morning.

Police say this wasn’t the first time they were called to the North Franklin Township home for an alcohol-related domestic problem; but this time, one of the occupants suffered serious injuries.

According to police, Melvin Stell, 64, stabbed his roommate, David Stiltonpole, at the North Baltimore Avenue home that they shared around 2:30 a.m. According to the criminal complaint, Stell grabbed a nine-inch steak knife and stabbed Stiltonpole in the back and torso.

“He was conscious,” North Franklin Township Police Sgt. Ronald Fox told KDKA-TV. “He was able to answer questions.”

Stiltonpole, 46, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition this afternoon.

During his arraignment this morning, Stell told the judge that he only remembered being beaten.

The complaint says Stiltonpole hit Stell several times in the head before Stell grabbed the knife.

“It was just a domestic situation,” Sgt. Fox added. “Mr. Stiltonpole stated they were arguing over the TV.”

Stell is now being held in the Washington County Jail on charges of criminal attempted homicide, recklessly endangering another person and aggravated assault.

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