Massachusetts

Teen Turns Self in After Stabbing Stemming From Sneaker Dispute

Dequan Hagen, 19, of Nashua, New Hampshire, is charged with armed robbery, home invasion, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon

A New Hampshire man has turned himself in Friday after being accused of stabbing a 17-year-old boy during an attempt to steal a pair of expensive sneakers.

Tyngsborough police said 19-year-old Dequan Hagen, of Nashua, was wanted on several serious charges. Authorities confirmed around 8 p.m. Friday that he had turned himself in.

Police said they were called to a home on Frost Road just after 8 p.m. Thursday for a report of a stabbing. When officers arrived, police learned a 17-year-old had been taken to an area hospital after suffering a stab wound to his abdomen.

The teenager was later flown by medical helicopter to a Boston-area hospital where he remains in stable condition. He is expected to survive.

"The victim is currently sedated. He was operated on successfully last night. He's in stable condition but he's sedated," said Tyngsborough Police Chief Richard Howe.

Through their investigation, police learned that a suspect, later identified as Hagen, had gone to the teen's home to buy a pair of Adidas Yeezy sneakers, which can sell for hundreds of dollars.

"It appears to be some type of internet exchange revolving around a purchase of sale of a pair of sneakers. A very expensive pair of sneakers," Howe said.

An altercation began after Hagen attempted to flee the home without paying for the sneakers.

Hagen went to his vehicle and allegedly returned with a knife, forced his way into the home and then stabbed the victim.

Hagen was arrested on charges including armed robbery, home invasion, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and malicious destruction of property over $1,200.

He is due to be arraigned Monday in Lowell District Court.

The brother of the victim told NBC10 Boston his brother was trying to sell the sneakers to a friend of a friend when things took a violent turn.

"I ran around the back and what I saw, he was back inside because he kicked our door in and it just shattered the frame and my brother was standing saying, 'get away from me', and he hit him with the bat as the kid swung at him with the knife," said the teen, who did not want to be named.

Howe said Hagan was identified by video surveillance at the home.

After the incident, Hagen fled the scene in a silver sedan, according to police.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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