A Carmel, Indiana man is facing criminal charges after allegedly stabbing two New York Knicks fans during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals earlier this month.
According to FOX 59, 38-year-old Jarrett Funke was initially involved in a verbal altercation at a local brewery as the Knicks faced the Pacers in Indianapolis on May 24.
Police were first called to the scene due to a reported fight, but the caller later canceled the request after Funke left the premises.
However, minutes later, a brewery employee made a second call, stating that Funke had returned and allegedly stabbed a man in the back on the establishment’s patio.
Responding officers located two victims at the scene.
One sustained a stab wound to his back, while the other suffered a laceration to his lower leg, according to court documents.
Both victims were identified as Knicks supporters who had been watching the playoff matchup when the incident occurred.
Funke reportedly fled the area after the attack but was later arrested and charged by local authorities.
Formal charges include battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.
The motive behind the alleged assault has not been disclosed by investigators.
Game 2 between the Pacers and Knicks ended in a 114–109 Indiana win, giving the Pacers a 2–0 lead at the time.
The Eastern Conference Semifinals series has since continued, with Indiana holding a 3–1 advantage following a 130–121 win in Game 4.
Both franchises have been highly competitive this season, with the Knicks entering the playoffs as the No. 3 seed and the Pacers as the No. 4 seed in the East.
