Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Tewksbury Hospital Stabbing: PD

TEWKSBURY, MA – A man is facing attempted murder charges in connection with a stabbing at Tewksbury State Hospital.

Police were notified of an assault at the hospital Thursday at about 7 p.m.

Officers arrived and found someone had been stabbed during an altercation between two people who knew each other. The suspect, later identified as Brian Kobs, then fled the area, police said.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.

Police conducted a wide-ranging search for Kobs on Thursday night.

The next morning, police were dispatched in the area of Lee Street at 8:46 a.m. on a report of a suspicious person. Police found Kobs, 39, of Gloucester, in a shed.

He was taken into custody and is being treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

Kobs was charged with attempted murder, misdemeanor breaking and entering, possession of a class E drug, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was also arrested on two warrants out of Boston District Court for assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and other crimes.

Tewksbury State Hospital is described as the following on a state website: "Tewksbury Hospital operates a 370 bed Joint Commission accredited hospital. The hospital provides comprehensive treatment, care, and comfort to adults with medical and/or mental illnesses."

Police do not believe this is a random incident.

"I would like to thank my officers for their immediate response, including those who came in off-duty to assist in the search," Chief Ryan Columbus said in a statement. "I would also like to thank the Massachusetts State Police for their assistance and for the use of the Air Wing Unit. I am proud of our members and our assisting agencies for their diligence and professionalism during this incident."

The investigation is ongoing.