FENANDINA BEACH, Fla. – A man accused of stabbing a 53-year-old victim nine times inside a Fernandina Beach home was arrested Wednesday night following a seven-hour manhunt.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said it responded to an emergency call around 3 p.m. Wednesday when a witness found the victim unconscious and bleeding inside their home.
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According to witness statements, the attack followed a fight between Ryan Nave, 45, and the victim, who knew each other.
NCSO investigators arriving at a home on Robinhood Drive found the victim suffering from nine stab wounds. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Following the attack, deputies said Nave fled, prompting authorities to send air support and K9 units in an extensive search operation.
Officers eventually located and arrested Nave approximately one mile from the crime scene on Hirth Road at approximately 10 p.m. after a citizen spotted him and called it in.
“Violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our community,” Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper stated. “I want to thank our detectives for their tireless efforts in apprehending the suspect and holding him accountable for his actions, as well as our citizens for being on the lookout for suspicious persons and assisting law enforcement.”
Nave faces second-degree attempted murder charges.
