Bystanders rushed to aid of stabbing victim, police say

Stabbing suspect Paul Lupo remains on high bail. (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - Bystanders who witnessed a downtown stabbing Tuesday afternoon ran to the aid of the victim applying pressure to the wound to staunch the bleeding, police say.

Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said the attacker and the victim were acquaintances and had gotten into a heated exchange around 2:45 p.m. at the corner of South Main and Academy streets prior to the stabbing.

The 44-year-old male victim had been cut in the upper right arm. He was released from Frisbie Memorial Hospital as of Wednesday, Thomas said.

At least two witnesses saw the stabbing, Thomas said.

The suspect fled the scene but police found him a short time later on Portland Street where he was taken into custody without incident.

Paul Lupo, 47, a transient, was charged with one count of second degree assault, a Class B felony.

Lupo was taken to Strafford County Jail where he remains held on $5,000 cash after his arraignment on Wednesday.