Police: Two Fern Rock residents stabbed by intruder

An 18-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday during a home invasion in Philadelphia's Fern Rock section that left two of his neighbors, including a 71-year-old woman, in critical condition with numerous stab wounds, police said.

Anthony Waters of the 5900 block of North Fourth Street stabbed the 71-year-old woman about 20 times and a 54-year-old man several times after Waters entered their home about 4:45 a.m., police said.

The rear door was unlocked, police said, and the assailant attacked the two after he was surprised to find them inside the home.

Responding to a report of a stabbing and burglary, police officers found the woman lying outside her front door. They also found Waters standing near the woman.

Officers saw a large amount of blood in a pathway next to the house, police said.

They looked into an enclosed porch and found the 54-year-old man with stab wounds to his abdomen. Both victims were taken to Einstein Medical Center where they were listed in critical condition.

Officers found the rear door propped open by a box of kittens. Police said that the house was cluttered and that there were numerous cats throughout the home. The SPCA was called to remove the animals.

The assailant entered the house with the intention of stealing the woman's car keys, police said. Waters was charged with two counts of attempted murder, aggravated and simple assault, robbery, burglary, and related offenses.