Neighbor accused of stabbing couple

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Police say a Portsmouth woman was able to seek shelter in her attic after a knife-wielding neighbor stabbed her and her husband.

According to Jan Clark with the Portsmouth Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 4300 block of Twin Pines Road just before 10 a.m. March 17 for a stabbing in progress. Clark said 64-year-old Joan Sherman said a man entered her home and stabbed her and her husband, 73-year-old Sherman Mason.

Police say the suspect, identified as 49-year-old James Artis, Jr. also of the 4300 block of Twin Pines Road, entered the couple's home and became angry. A physical altercation throughout the victims' home followed.

"As soon as [my uncle] opened the storm door, the guy just came in and never stopped stabbing," the couple's nephew Donald Hill told 10 On Your Side.

Joan Sherman was able to seek shelter in her attic. When crews arrived at the scene, they found the Sherman Mason suffering from cuts to his body. He was immediately treated for his injuries. His wife suffered from contusions and abrasions.

"My aunt is really shook," Michael Hill said. "It's like an out of body experience."

Officers then confronted Artis and one officer shot him. Artis was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with a gunshot wound and is in stable condition. The officer, who has been with the department since 2004 has been placed on administrative leave. Clark said criminal and administrative investigations into the incident will be conducted.

A knife was recovered from the scene.

"Why [Artis] did it we don't know... I ain't holding nothing back... we don't know," Donald Hill said.

Police said Artis has been charged with attempted capital murder in the police confrontation and additional charges are pending.

Artis' previous convictions include felony robbery, use of firearm, assault, fraud and petit larceny.