A juvenile victim is currently in critical condition following a stabbing incident in downtown Lafayette, with a 16-year-old suspect in custody, according to local authorities. The violent encounter took place on Thursday around 1:35 p.m. in the 300 block of N. 3rd Street, as reported by FOX59. The Lafayette Police Department responded to the scene to find the injured youth who was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Further details revealed by WTHR indicate the suspect, also a teenager, is facing preliminary charges including aggravated battery, battery with a deadly weapon, and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. The initial investigation suggests the victim and the suspect were acquainted prior to the altercation, a factor that could potentially to shed light on the motive behind the attack, though police have yet to disclose specifics regarding what led to the violence.

In connection with the incident, officers with the Lafayette Police Department detained the 16-year-old male suspect, as conveyed by WRTV. While the investigation remains ongoing, efforts are being made to gather additional evidence and conduct interviews with potential witnesses to piece together the full narrative of the event that unfolded.