The suspect in the stabbing, 46-year-old Bobby Phillip Masters of Coahoma, was subsequently arrested and charged with the second-degree felony offense of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.

HCSO deputies and Department of Public Safety troopers were called to Escanuela's residence on the 300 block of South First in Coahoma at about 4:15 p.m. Sunday in response to a stabbing call, HCSO Chief Deputy Mark Hall said.

Escanuela was initially treated at the scene by Emergency Medical Service personnel, then transported to SMMC, where he received further treatment and was released, Hall said.

Masters initially barricaded himself inside a residence, but surrendered to authorities after a 15-20 minute standoff and was transported to the Howard County Jail. He received minor injuries which appeared to be self-inflicted, Hall said.

“The reason for the attack is unknown, but it appears to have been unprovoked,” Hall said.

Masters remained in custody today in lieu of $10,000 bond, officials said.

HCSO declined to release further details pending investigation into the incident.

Aggravated assault is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it