CENTRALIA — Centralia police are calling a Friday night stabbing incident an act of self defense, with the 25-year-old Salem man who was stabbed being arrested on criminal charges.

Joseph Miraglia (Source: MCSO)
Joseph Miraglia
(Source: MCSO)

According to police, 35-year-old Stephen Abbott of Centralia stabbed Joseph Miraglia in the upper leg and finger when Miraglia held him down on his bed and began stragling him following an argument that included political issues.

Miraglia ultimately left the scene and was found on East Noleman when a passerby noticed a man screaming for help. Miraglia was transported to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment before he was taken to the Marion County Jail for alleged criminal damage to property and aggravated battery.

As it’s believed he acted in self-defense, Abbot is not facing charges.