We reported last week a stabbing that occurred in Cheltenham during a robbery at the Mr. Cigarette store at 409 W Cheltenham Ave. A 62 year-old female was stabbed twice during the robbery, and was taken by Cheltenham EMS to a local trauma center where she underwent emergency surgery for life threatening injuries and is expected to survive.

Cheltenham Township Police have made an arrest in the case, Avery Armknecht,19, of Norristown, PA. Armknecht is charged with Attempted Criminal Homicide, Robbery, Aggravated Assault and related offenses.

From the Cheltenham Township Police:

The robbery and assault occurred on October 6, 2021 at 12:55 PM. Armknecht entered the store and produced a black-handled pocketknife and told the victim/employee to open the register. He held the knife to her throat and a struggle ensued. Armknecht then stabbed the victim multiple times in the chest and fled the store. He fled westbound on Cheltenham Avenue in a Silver Nissan Altima. The victim was transported by ambulance to Einstein Hospital, where she underwent surgery for her multiple stab wounds.

An arrest warrant was issued on October 9, 2021, and Armknecht surrendered to Cheltenham Police on October 11, 2021. Armknecht was arraigned on October 11, 2021 before Magisterial District Judge Christopher Cerski, who denied bail. Armknecht was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for 1:00 PM, on October 21, 2021, before Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth McHugh-Casey.

Photo Courtesy of Cheltenham Township Police