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Ephrata police Chief William Harvey said a "road rage" incident on South State Street led to the stabbing at Brights Family Restaurant Restaurant about 5:45 p.m.
Timothy Lee Rice, 46, of Ephrata, was stabbed in the neck after he struggled briefly with another man in the parking lot, officials said.
Bystanders and police rushed to the Rice's aid before medics transported him in an ambulance. He was a trauma-unit patient at an area hospital. Harvey said he is expected to survive.
Police allege David Brian Wolfinger Sr., also 46, pulled the blade and stabbed Rice. Wolfinger, of Reamstown, was still being questioned at press time and no charges had been filed.
The police chief said detectives will contact a prosecutor with the Lancaster County district attorney's office this morning to consult about charges.
Officials said they are confident they have the two men involved, but are trying to determine the motive behind the dispute.
"We are still trying to sort this out," Harvey said Sunday night, "but I think we are going to have it wrapped up pretty quick."
"The restaurant was not involved in this," he added.
Officials didn't say whether they recovered the knife, nor did they discuss its size. Harvey said Rice was stabbed at least once, and police at the scene couldn't determine if there was more than a single wound.
Rice and Wolfinger pulled over at the restaurant, argued, physically clashed, then the knife was used, officials said.
"Family members, friends and independent witnesses" saw the fight and stabbing, Harvey said.
Police were dispatched at 5:43 p.m. to 1025 S. State St. and found both men in the area.
About 10 officers eventually responded to the scene. One officer held a cloth over Rice's wound until medics arrived to take over treatment. The gash had bled out onto the man's shirt.
Police wouldn't say where Rice was transported to protect him and hospital officials.
Wolfinger was handcuffed and taken into custody without incident, then transported to Ephrata police station. He sustained minor injuries, but wasn't hospitalized.
Witnesses were also being interviewed at the station. Detectives intend to question Rice when his condition permits.
Ephrata police Detective Tony Russell is leading the investigation. Anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or has information should contact Russell at 738-9200, ext. 240.
E-mail: bhambright@lnpnews.com
