5 Stabbed at 'Welcome Home from Jail' Party

A welcome home from jail party turned into a melee on the 500 block of Hess Street Saturday night as Bethlehem police responded to a call which reported gunshots and knives at the scene.

Police ultimately found that five people suffered stab wounds and an investigation into the incident is ongoing, the city’s top detective said.

Two of the victims were taken to in Fountain Hill by paramedics. Two more went to St. Luke’s in Fountain Hill on their own. The fifth victim went to St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown on their own.

“Several individuals were detained by officers and detectives for investigative purposes,” Det. Lt. Mark DiLuzio said in a news release issued this morning.

Three of the five stabbing victims were admitted to a hospital for their wounds. Two were treated and released.

DiLuzio said the melee was the result of a “welcome home” party for someone who had recently been released from a prison. He said further details on the fight will be made public later in the week.