OTHELLO — An Othello man was airlifted to an out-of-area hospital after he was admitted to Othello Community Hospital Tuesday night with multiple stab wounds. A Connell man was arrested later in the evening and booked on suspicion of first-degree assault in connection with the incident. 

Joseph Abbot, 30, was arrested in the area of State Route 17 and State Route 260, according to a press release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said in a later interview that as of now the motive is unclear. 

“We’re still investigating a lot of that,” Wagner said.  

The stabbing allegedly occurred in the vicinity of State Route 26; Wagner wrote in the press release. Kendall suffered multiple stab wounds and was dropped off at Othello hospital at about 7:40 p.m.  

“He was transported to the hospital by the suspect and a female, from what we’re gathering,” Wagner said.  

“The individuals who transported the victim to the hospital left shortly after his arrival and did not provide identifying information to hospital staff,” Wagner said. 

Sheriff’s detectives and deputies identified Abbot as the man who drove Kendall to OCH. 

“Investigators developed probable cause establishing Abbot as the primary suspect in the assault,” Wagner said. “Throughout the evening, deputies and detectives pursued numerous leads and conducted searches at several locations in and around Othello, where Abbot was believed to be. The search efforts were assisted by personnel from the Othello Police Department.”  

Abbot eventually was located near SR 260 and SR 17, he said. 

“The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and responded immediately to assist,” Wagner said.  

Adams County and FCSO deputies located Abbot and took him into custody, Wagner said.