Illinois fugitive arrested in connection with 2 stabbings in Ashland

ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) - A man wanted in connection with two stabbing incidents in Ashland, including one from Wednesday, has been arrested, the Ashland Police Department said Thursday.

Police say William Simmons, who’s in his early 30s, was a fugitive from justice from Illinois. He hade been sighted a few weeks ago in Louisa, Kentucky.

Wanted man from Illinois last seen in eastern Ky.

Ashland Police say Simmons is charged with two counts of first-degree assault in connection with the stabbings, as well as the fugitive from justice charges in Illinois. He was taken to the Boyd County Detention Center.

Police say Wednesday’s stabbing was reported around 6:20 p.m. in the 300 block of 24th Street in Ashland. A victim suffered knife wounds to the side of their head, and Simmons was later identified as the suspect.

Around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, officers found Simmons in an alley near the 2300 block of Winchester Avenue where he was taken into custody.

Police say the other stabbing happened July 21 at the Winchester Inn in Ashland. A person was stabbed in the stomach, and Simmons was identified as the suspect in that incident, too.

According to Ashland Police, Simmons was wanted in Illinois “on many offenses.”