On February 5, 2021, at approximately 2:40 p.m., deputies assigned to the Southern Precinct of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 200 block of Brittany Drive in Joppatowne for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, deputies located a male, identified as Christopher Cousins, 26, of Joppatowne, with a stab wound to his arm. Deputies provided first aid until medics arrived, took over care, and transported Cousins to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation was assumed by detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Investigators from the Forensic Services Unit responded to the area, to collect and preserve physical evidence in support of the investigation.

Initial investigation indicates Cousins and the suspect, identified as Austin Jones, 28, of Joppatowne, became involved in a physical altercation inside the residence. At some point during the altercation, Jones stabbed Cousins with a knife. Initial investigation indicates the incident was motivated by money and illegal drugs.

Jones was located at his residence in the 500 block of Eckhart Drive, and was taken into custody without incident. Detectives charged Jones accordingly and he was transported to the Harford County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond following his initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner. Cousins was treated and released from the hospital later Friday night.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are being released at this time. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 410-836-5442.