CHESTER, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Authorities are actively searching multiple states for an individual accused of having stabbed a restaurant owner on Friday.
The Chester Police Department reports that, at approximately 6:34pm on Friday, April 28, 2023, the Hancock County Dispatch Center received reports of a man having been stabbed at The Crazy Donkey restaurant located at 442 Carolina Avenue, Chester WV in Hancock County.
Arrival of officers on scene reportedly occurred less than a minute after, and it was discovered that owner/employee, Jose Mocias-Onate was bleeding profusely from a stab wound on his arm.
First aid was immediately administered to the victim by responding officers, and EMS would continue treatment upon their arrival. Officers then began the process of gathering information from the victim as well as several witnesses at the scene who had witnessed the events in question as they occurred.
This information indicated to officers that Joshua L Atwood, 30 years old from Burgettstown PA, had done various handy man jobs for Mocias-Onate in the past. Reportedly feeling as though Mocias-Onate still owed him money for a recent job, Atwood came to Mocias-Onate’s place of business to demanding money.
This led to an argument between the two at the restaurant’s kitchen area, at which time to Atwood grabbed a handful of cash bills out of the cash drawer and began to walk out of the kitchen.
Mocias-Onate is then said to have tried to stop Atwood from taking the cash and leaving, and the two men began to grapple, leading to a fight. During the altercation, a handgun in a concealed holster that Atwood was carrying fell onto a nearby table. Atwood then drew a concealed knife and stabbed Mocias-Onate.
Mocias-Onate backed away. Atwood retrieved his fallen handgun, dropped multiple bills, and left the restaurant. Noticed he was being observed by witnesses who were alerting authorities, Atwood ran around the side of the building and back towards an alley.
Officers were provided by witnesses with descriptions of clothing and direction of travel, and a search of the area was initiated immediately. Mocias-Onate was transported to a local hospital for treatment by ambulance, but later required transferred later to a trauma center in Pittsburgh, PA.
Authorities were unsuccessful in determining Atwood’s location, as he was not found in the area and is believed to have left in a car which was parked near the area.
Arrest warrants from a Hancock County Magistrate were obtained against Joshua L Atwood by members of the Chester Police Department. At this time Atwood faces charges of Armed Robbery and Malicious Assault.
Members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and West Virginia State Police also provided assistance with the searching and criminal investigation. Crews from the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and Hancock County Ambulance service provided treatment on the scene.
“The Hancock County Dispatch Center was able to get as much information out as quickly as possible to the responding and surrounding agencies,” read a statement from Chester Police Department. “The combined effort of all agencies involved was instrumental in the efficient handling of this incident.”
The victim has reportedly since been discharged from the hospital, though the suspect remains at large. Information obtained thus far throughout the investigation indicates that the suspect is likely in the state of Pennsylvania. Authorities with the appropriate departments have been notified of the situation .
