HAMLET — John Terziu was supposed to start work Monday as the new city manager for the Seaboard City.
However, he is recovering in a hospital after allegedly being stabbed by his son.
According to the Southern Pines Police Department, officers and investigators responded to a reported assault at 114 Cypress Circle around 12:40 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5.
When patrol officers arrived, they were reportedly told that the victim, who was not named in the press release, was stabbed by his 20-year-old son, Chase Alexander Terziu.
The RO confirmed the identity of the victim through Hamlet city officials.
Police say the victim sustained “several stab wounds” and was flown to a trauma center for treatment.
The son reportedly left the scene in his father’s GMC truck, which was later tracked down and recovered in Brunswick County.
Investigators obtained warrants for the arrest of Chase Terziu, charging him with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, larceny of a motor vehicle and larceny of a firearm.
Police announced Monday afternoon that Chase Terziu had been taken into custody in Columbus County, and thanked law enforcement in Brunswick and Columbus counties for helping in the arrest.
The case could not be found in the state court system Monday evening, so bond and appearance information was not available.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
John Terziu, who previously served as city planner for Aberdeen, signed his contract in mid-December to be the city manager in Hamlet, succeeding Matthew Christian. Click here to read that story.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he goes through his healing process,” Mayor Amy Guinn said in a statement to the RO. “We will update the public when we know John will be able to begin working.”
Guinn said Lane Bailey, who has been interim city manager since Christian’s departure, will “continue to be available for our needs.”
“We appreciate the concern that has been shown during this situation.”
