Charges filed in stabbing outside Appletree Restaurant

MARION (WSLS 10) - A 20-year-old man faces charges after allegedly stabbing his girlfriend -then himself - outside the Appletree Restaurant Tuesday.

The Marion Police Department said officers responded to the restaurant at 1050 Highway 16 around 9:20 p.m. When they got there, they found two people who had been stabbed. 

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Police said James Ryburn Rhea, of Sugar Grove, allegedly stabbed his girlfriend while she was driving, forcing her into the parking lot at the restaurant. Once the vehicle was stopped, Rhea began stabbing himself.  He was charged with malicious wounding against his domestic partner. 

Rhea and his victim were both transported by air ambulance. The victim was treated and released. Warrants have been issued for Rhea's arrest pending his release from the hospital.

Smyth County sheriff's deputies and Marion Fire/EMS assisted at the scene.