OSU Student Stabs Friend In Fight Over Ethnicity

Police say a man stabbed his friend with a scissor blade after the two argued about their ethnic backgrounds.

It was a topic Seth Byrd and his friend, Jarin Fish had talked about before, according to reports.

“They had been discussing their ethnic backgrounds. The victim is of German descent and the suspect is of Native American descent,” Lt. Jeff Watts with the Stillwater Police Criminal Investigations said.

It was Monday night, at Fish’s Stillwater apartment. 

“The victim said he made an off colored comment about his friend’s ancestral history which made him upset,” Watts said.

Police say after hearing his friend's comment, Byrd threw a scissor blade, stabbing Fish's leg.

“I’m afraid I’m going to bleed to death,” Fish said in his 911 call.

By the time Fish had dialed 911, Byrd had already left.

“The suspect left the residence, the victim called for help and then the officer arrived,” Watts said.

Fish was taken to the hospital and Byrd was found just a few blocks away, allegedly heading toward his dorm on OSU's campus.

Police say the strangest thing about the is just how uncomplicated it was.

Officers say no alcohol was involved, and both the suspect and victim cooperated, giving the exact same narrative of what happened.

Fish was taken to the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery, according to police.

An OSU spokesperson confirms Byrd is a university student and the conduct office is investigating.

Stillwater Police arrested Byrd, and say Fish plans to press charges.