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Man Describes Witnessing Springdale Stabbing

SPRINGDALE (KFSM) — One man was arrested and another taken to the hospital Tuesday (April 6) following a stabbing near Shiloh Street and Oak Avenue in Spr...

SPRINGDALE (KFSM) -- One man was arrested and another taken to the hospital Tuesday (April 6) following a stabbing near Shiloh Street and Oak Avenue in Springdale.

At around 7:15 p.m., police responded to a report of a physical disturbance. Heath Ward said he's the one who called 911 after hearing a commotion breakout on the sidewalk while he was working in his backyard.

"When I looked over the fence, there was a pretty good fight going on," Ward said.

According to police, Juan Cruz-Galarza, 36, was arguing with Saul Ortiz, 30, and the fight quickly escalated.

"It turned into a melee," Ward said.

Ward said he called for help as Ortiz was stabbed.

"Blood was everywhere," he said. "Of course I called the Springdale Police Department."

Police were there moments later. They said Cruz-Galarza was taken into custody without incident and is currently facing a felony charge of first-degree battery. Meanwhile, Ortiz was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police said Ward did the right thing by not getting involved in the fight and calling 911 instead.

According to his arrest report, Cruz-Galarza told officers he confronted Ortiz after the victim disrespected him and his wife by yelling profanities at them. Cruz-Galarza also said he didn't know how many times he stabbed Ortiz, the report states.

Cruz-Galarza is currently at the Washington County Detention Center on $3,500 bond.

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