Sabastian J. Rosenlieb

An altercation between two young men resulted in the arrest of one and a critical injury to the other.

According to TFC S.R. Curran of the West Virginia State Police, the incident occurred on Sept. 9 around 6:25 p.m. along W.Va. 18 approximately one mile south of Middlebourne. Curran and Deputy Scott Dalrymple of the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene where they observed a juvenile victim sitting on the guardrail in the northbound lane. Upon further investigation, the officers observed what appeared to be blood on his clothing and a large wound on his right forearm.

The wounds were said to be inflicted by Sabastian J. Rosenlieb, 19, of Sistersville during an alleged physical altercation over a female. The victim stated that Rosenlieb had struck his vehicle while he was traveling south on W.Va. 18 and forced him off the road. An altercation ensued in which the victim’s arm was seriously injured.

Witnesses directed Curran to Rosenlieb who was sitting in his truck 200 feet from the victim. They informed the officer that Rosenlieb had attempted to flee the scene, however they stopped the suspect from leaving until police arrived.

Upon questioning, Rosenlieb stated he had attempted to pass the victim when something on his vehicle malfunctioned, causing it to jerk to the right, resulting in a collision. The suspect then allegedly attacked the victim and stabbed him multiple times. Then in an attempt to conceal the weapon, Rosenlieb discarded the knife in a nearby creek.

The victim was transported via ambulance to Sistersville General Hospital and later taken by helicopter to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further treatment and later released.

Rosenlieb is charged with felony malicious wounding. If convicted he faces confinement of not less than two years or more than 10 years in a state correctional facility.

Curran transported Rosenlieb to the North Central Regional Jail, from where the suspect was later released on $100,000 bond.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing but the motive for the stabbing is allegedly related to an altercation over a female.