Police: Man Attacked with Machete Still Hospitalized

Gregory Davis Sterling

FRUITLAND, Md.- The owner of a consignment market remains hospitalized after being attacked by a man wielding a machete. Officers from the Fruitland Police Department and deputies from the Wicomico Sheriff's Office arrested a man for attempted murder following accusations that he used the machete on the Fruitland business owner.

According to the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation, officers were called to 4120 Disharoon Road at approximately 7:30 a.m. Monday. There they found a witness and a victim, identified as Stephen Byrd, who was suffering from multiple cuts and stab wounds over his body, police said. Byrd was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment. Authorities said that while being treated, Byrd told police that Gregory Davis Sterling, 59, of Fruitland, attacked him with a machete, 

Law enforcement conducted a search of the area around the crime scene and found Sterling at a wood line near the edge of the property. Police said his clothing was covered with blood. A witness told police he was driving on Disharoon Road and saw Byrd lying on the ground under a trailer. As the witness got closer, he said Byrd, who was covered in blood, got out from under the trailer and ran in his direction. The witness told police he saw someone, later identified as Sterling, standing on the other side of the trailer holding a large machete. Police said Sterling began chasing after Byrd with the machete.

Byrd suffered from extensive injuries to his left arm, which was partially severed, and had a large cut to the left side of his chest, police said. Byrd also suffered extensive internal injuries and had surgery for his wounds, police said.

Anything with more information about this incident is asked to contact Detective T. Funk of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation at (410) 548-4898 or Crime Solvers at (410) 548-1776.

Sterling faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault and wear and carry deadly weapon for the machete.

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