Suspect wanted in Grove City stabbing, fled on bicycle

Law enforcement is investigating what led to a stabbing at a home. Neighbors think it was related to drugs.

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office are searching for suspect Francis Wayne Smallwood Jr., 40, who deputies believe stabbed a victim at a home in Grove City Monday morning.

According to the CCSO press release, deputies responded to the 2000 block of Willow Ave. around 11 a.m. near the corner of Placida Road and San Casa Drive.

Smallwood was last seen shirtless, wearing camo shorts and dark Nike Jordan sneakers. He left the scene riding a black BMX-style bicycle, which had white skull stickers.

The victim was taken to the hospital, and their status is currently unknown.

”I’m not happy with what’s going on down there,” said neighbor Jerry Polk, a U.S. Marine veteran.

Polk lives nearby the home that had crime tape up.

“Idiots out there trying to steal or rob or do something,” Polk said.

Polk said crime in the neighborhood is getting worse, but he thinks law enforcement is putting in the work.

“They can’t do anything more than what they’re doing,” Polk said. “They patrol here. They go up and down.”

Neighbor Dave Shattuck lives across the street and described the scene. He said he saw the stabbing victim before they were rushed to the hospital.

”My wife and I looked out the window and saw what was going on,” Shattuck said. “He had a strap on his shoulder.”

Polk hopes for peace and quiet once investigators leave the scene.

“I spent 20 years in the Marines,” Polk said. “And I’ve been in combat. I’ve been everywhere. I’m trying to relax now.

The stabbing remains under investigation.

Anyone with information can contact CCSO.