Police have charged a West Mifflin man with attempted homicide after they say he stabbed a Whitaker convenience store owner during an argument Monday.
Allegheny County police said the victim, whose name was not released, suffered a deep slash to the neck around 11 a.m. at the Lizzie’s Dairy store along the 100 block of Whitaker Street.
The owner of the business and an employee were outside the store when a Whitaker Borough public works truck stopped, according to Allegheny County police detectives who responded to the scene.
The truck’s passenger, Duane Burgwin, then got out of the vehicle and began arguing with the employee, police said.
The store owner was slashed when he stepped between the two arguing men to defend his employee. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and is listed in stable condition.
Police said after he slashed the store owner, Burgwin got back into the truck and left the scene.
Investigators said evidence suggests that at some point after driving off, Burgwin stabbed himself in the upper arm. He was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.
Authorities are trying to determine a motive for the assault as well as the self-inflicted stab wound.
Police charged Burgwin, 59, with one count each of aggravated assault and attempted homicide.
Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tipline at 833-255-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.
