Fight Over Drugs Ends in Stabbing

A suspect is in custody for stabbing another man, thanks to some quick help from a local business.

Around 8 p.m. on April 17th, police responded to a call regarding a possible stabbing on the 3700 block of North Roosevelt Blvd. Upon arrival they found 29-year old Justin Ray Henson on the sidewalk screaming in pain. Henson and several nearby witnesses described the attacker who, they said stabbed Henson then took off on a bike.

Henson was transported to the hospital where he was found to have been stabbed in the abdomen, the back and the shoulder. He was then airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center.

While Henson was being transported, officers went to the nearby Uppy’s to see if there was surveillance footage of the attack. It was after hours, but a manager responded immediately in order to help with the investigation. The video had recorded the altercation along the seawall. Officers could see the suspect ride up, apparently argue with the victim, then start fighting. The video then showed Henson abruptly crouch to the ground and the suspect jumped up on his bike and ran off.

Detectives then checked another camera and were able to get a good look at the suspect’s face.

Officers were able to identify him as Chad Allen Kirk, 34.

Kirk was found with another homeless man sleeping between some benches out on Government Road and taken into custody.

A witness told police that Kirk had talked about arguing with Henson over drugs, and that after the stabbing, he’d thrown the knife in the water.

After his arrest, Kirk told detectives that he was homeless from up north and that he’d arrived in Key West via Greyhound Bus about two weeks ago.

Kirk was transported to the Monroe County Detention Center where he was charges with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

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