Athens Man Stabbed During Fight Along Oconee River

An Athens man was stabbed in the hand and shoulder during an altercation around 9:15 p.m Tuesday near the Arbor Express convenience store on Old Macon Highway, authorities reported.

The fight broke out on private property along the bank on the Oconee side of the Oconee River,  said Lee Weems, chief deputy of the , in an email. The property owner had not given permission for the individuals to be there, he added.

Witnesses at the scene told deputies the fight started between Charles Stephenson, 30, of Watkinsville and Carolyn McBerry, 31, of Bogart.  Three men --Kenny Coggins, 22, of Athens; James Kilpatrick, 48, of Watkinsville; and Mark McKinney, 30, of Watkinsville-- allegedly joined in the fray against Stephenson, Weems said. At some point, Stephenson allegedly took out a knife and stabbed Coggins, he said.  Deputies reported seeing a cut to Coggins' hand and shoulder.

All five were arrested and charged with affray, Weems said, adding that Stephenson also faces an aggravated assault charge.

Athens-Clarke County Police assisted Oconee Sheriff's deputies, Weems said.