Bar patrons hold alleged stabber for cops

Gregory Kostomite walked into Johnny B's Place in Upper Darby around 9 p.m. yesterday and, without a word, began punching a bar patron in the stomach, police said.

"Then, the people realized he was punching him with a knife," said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.

When other patrons at the bar on Garrett Road near Drexel Avenue realized what was going on, four or five of them tackled Kostomite and held him until cops arrived, police said. Meanwhile the victim, whose "bowels had been eviscerated," according to Chitwood, was rushed to Crozer Chester Medical Center, where underwent immediate surgery.

Initially listed in critical condition, the victim, whose identity has not been released, has since been upgraded to stable.

Chitwood said it's unclear why Kostomite walked into the bar and stabbed the man in the stomach. Kostomite had not been in Johnny B's earlier that day but it's believed the stabbing was motivated by a previous dispute between the two men. Police also believe Kostomite was high when he allegedly assaulted the victim.

Kostomite, 25, of Upper Darby, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses. Police recovered the alleged weapon, a Smith & Wesson knife with a 3-1/4 inch blade, at the bar.