Stabbing Suspect Reward Offered

OCEAN CITY – The town of
Ocean City this week is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the
arrest of a Federalsburg man wanted as the suspect in a brutal stabbing attack
in Ocean City early Saturday morning.

Around 2:10 a.m. on
Saturday, Ocean City police responded to the area of 54th Street and
Coastal Highway for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, the officers located a
male victim, whose name has not been released at this time, lying in a parking
lot.

The investigation
revealed the victim was allegedly approached and assaulted by a suspect unknown
at the time. Witnesses at the scene reported the suspect stabbed the victim
several times. The victim was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in
Salisbury where he is currently being treated for his injuries.

Initially, OCPD
investigators did not know the identity of the suspect. However, by Monday they
had identified the suspect as Manuel Armando Escalante, Jr., 36, of Federalsburg,
Md. The investigation revealed the victim and Escalante, Jr. had a previous
disagreement that led to the violent attack.

As of late Wednesday,
police were still actively searching for Escalante, Jr. since he was identified
as the suspect in the stabbing incident earlier in the week. OCPD detectives
believe Escalante, Jr. is aware he is being sought and is avoiding capture.
Detectives believe he is still somewhere on the Delmarva peninsula and may be
staying with friends and/or associates.

Escalante is considered
armed and dangerous. He is described as about 5’9” tall and around 150 pounds.
Late Wednesday, police officials announced the town has offered a $5,000 reward
for information leading to his capture and arrest. Anyone with information
regarding the whereabouts of Escalante is urged to contact OCPD Detective Brett
Case at 443-235-4421. Citizens may also provide information by emailing [email protected].