Homeless man arrested in North Little Rock stabbing

— A homeless man accused of stabbing another man multiple times told authorities he later attempted to stitch the victim's wounds with dental floss, according to a North Little Rock Police Department report.

Ashton Stottler, 32, was arrested early Friday on a preliminary charge of second-degree battery. He is set to make an initial court appearance Tuesday.

Police began investigating after being called to Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, where Nicholas Scarseth was receiving treatment for 13 stab wounds, the report said.

Investigators say Scarseth was uncooperative.

Officers were later called to 211 Crockett St. The resident there told police that Stottler was there and had admitted stabbing Scarseth "in self-defense."

Stottler was found inside the home and "spontaneously stated multiple times 'I did it to protect'" a woman who was with him in the home.

The woman, identified in the report as Chelsie Bent, told police she and Stottler were in a bedroom when Scarseth forced his way in and began threatening them. Bent told police that Scarseth refused to leave and that Stottler stabbed him "a couple of times in defense," the report said.

Stottler was taken to the Pulaski County jail, where he "spontaneously stated ... that he attempted to stitch Scarseth up with dental floss."

Upcoming Events