A Vernon New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to charges related to the stabbing of a 17-year-old teenager during a domestic violence incident.

The violent incident occurred early in the morning at the suspect’s home in Vernon, NJ. According to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect and his girlfriend got into a verbal altercation at the residence. When the girlfriend tried to exit home with her kids, the suspect reportedly attempted to stop her. That prompted the teen victim to intervene, with the suspect then stabbing the victim in the abdomen.

Someone at the house dialed 911 and notified the Vernon Police Department, which dispatched officers to the scene. When Vernon NJ cops got to the house, they arrested the suspect and arranged for transport of the victim to a nearby hospital.

The 50-year-old suspect faced criminal charges for aggravated assault in connection with the stabbing.

The suspect ultimately avoided a trial by reached a plea agreement with Sussex County prosecutors. In exchange for the suspect’s guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to lower the charges from second degree aggravated assault to third degree aggravated assault. As a result, the suspect now faces a maximum sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison when he is formally sentenced next month.

For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Man Admits Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend’s 17-Year-Old Son, Report Says.”