Mugshots released of 2 arrested in stabbing before Ocean Springs parade

Police have released photos of the two Ocean Springs men officials said were involved in a Saturday stabbing that sent two people to the hospital, one with life-threatening wounds.

Two young men were stabbed during a fight that broke out in the parking lot of Crossfit Ocean Springs just before the Ocean Springs Elks parade was set to roll.

Ocean Springs police Capt. William Jackson said the fight involved a drug deal that had gone bad earlier in the week.

Jackson said the two who were stabbed were taken to Ocean Springs Hospital.

Police arrested Vantonio William Jr., 17, of Ocean Springs, on two counts of aggravated assault and Adam Warren, 23, of Ocean Springs, on a disorderly conduct charge.

William is held in the Ocean Springs jail awaiting an initial court appearance before Judge Matthew Mestayer.

The owner of Crossfit Ocean Springs saw the stabbing in his parking lot.

Shane Wilkinson said two people started fighting on the east corner of the parking lot behind a truck, then two others got involved.

Wilkinson said the fight escalated and a teen police identified as William stabbed one young man below the rib cage and another young man near the hip.

After the two were stabbed, Wilkinson said, the fight broke up and police arrived.

Wilkinson said William, who had the knife in his hand when police arrived, “yelled it was self-defense”

The fight lasted about 40 seconds, Wilkinson said.

Sun Herald digital producer Regina Zilbermints contributed to this report.

This story was originally published February 11, 2017 at 2:33 PM with the headline "Mugshots released of 2 arrested in stabbing before Ocean Springs parade."