Easton Man Stabbed in Debt Collection Attempt, Police Say

First, Shaguye Colbert came to the home on Elm Street with a gun. He told the man living there: Pay what you owe, or I'll kill you. Me or some people from New York. 

Later that night, he came back with a knife. This time, there more than threats. Colbert and the man fought, and Colbert stabbed him in the hand.

That's the account given by Easton police Friday as they charged Colbert, 38, with attempted homicide and assault charges.

According to court records, the case began on the morning of May 23, when a man living in the 1000 block of Elm Street, identified as Adrian Anderson in court records, told police Colbert had gotten in to his apartment with a gun and threatened him. 

Anderson said Colbert wrongly believed he owed Colbert money. 

Colbert allegedly returned to the apartment a few times that, ultimately returning in the evening. This time, he and Anderson fought, with Colbert wielding a butcher knife and stabbing Anderson in the hand.

The resident said Colbert swung the knife "like a hammer," forcing Anderson to use a garbage can to shield himself from further stab wounds.

Colbert ran off when a neighbor called police. Police say there were able to identify Colbert from a Facebook page, and from witness statements. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Police say Colbert was arrested July 10 in Allentown for fighting and criminal mischief, and turned over to authorities in Easton. He is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, robbery and burglary.

He was arraigned Friday before District Judge Richard Yetter, and sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $800,000 bail.

Police say Colbert has a history of violence, including a manslaughter conviction in New York from 2004.