Chris Copeland of the Indiana Pacers was stabbed in the abdomen outside of a New York City nightclub early Wednesday morning, and two members of the Atlanta Hawks were arrested for getting in the way of the police setting up a crime scene, according to a report from the New York Daily News.
Copeland’s former fiancee was also “slashed” during the incident, the report says.
Thabo Sefolosha and Pero Antic were the two Hawks players who were arrested, along with Copeland’s attacker. The incident took place outside of 1 OAK club in Chelsea.
Some additional details:A second woman was also stabbed amid the fracas, which happened shortly before 4 a.m., as the popular club on West 17th St. was preparing to close. An argument erupted as Copeland, the other victims and the suspect were leaving, the sources said.
The man who was arrested, Shezoy Bleary, 22, pulled out a knife and stabbed Copeland, 31, and slashed 28-year-old Katrine Saltara, described by investigators as Copeland’s wife, in the arm and leg, the sources said.
The second woman, Catherine Somani, 53, was slashed in the abdomen, the sources said.
Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report has more:
Spoke to someone close to Chris Copeland. Was approached by a guy outside 1Oak telling him about some promotion & Cope politely declined ...
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) April 8, 2015
Copeland didn't get into a fight. His female friend (not wife) helped ward off attacker. Cope got stabbed and broke left elbow. Surgery now.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) April 8, 2015
To clarify, the female friend with Copeland at 1Oak is not his wife. They were engaged at one point, but are not married. Still close.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) April 8, 2015
Copeland is in town with the Pacers for a matchup against the Knicks, while the Hawks, just coming off of a home win against the Suns on Tuesday, arrived in advance of a game in Brooklyn against the Nets. Both contests will take place Wednesday night.
Pacers president Larry Bird issued the following statement:
“We are aware that Chris Copeland was injured early this morning in New York City. We are still gathering information and will update when we know more. Our thoughts are with Chris and those injured.”
The Pacers have updated Copeland’s status:
“Chris Copeland suffered a knife wound to his left elbow and abdomen this morning in New York City. He is currently in stable condition at a New York hospital. Updates will be provided as available.”