Erie man faces attempted homicide after police accused him of stabbing roommate

An Erie man is facing attempted homicide and other charges after city police accused him of attacking his roommate with a knife late Saturday afternoon.

Police charged Ben J. Layman, 54, following an incident that was reported on Saturday at about 5:30 p.m. in the 500 block of East Ninth Street. Officers who were sent there to investigate a reported stabbing found a 66-year-old man sitting outside, bleeding from his head and face, Deputy Chief Rick Lorah said Monday.

The victim told officers his roommate had attacked him, Lorah said. When police knocked on the door of the residence, Layman appeared with blood on his face and arms. He then closed the door and would not come out, according to Lorah.

The Erie Bureau of Police SWAT Team was called to the residence, and Layman eventually came out and was taken into custody, Lorah said.

The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. Information on the extent of his injuries was not available Monday.

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