Tennessee man arrested for attempted murder

20-year-old told officers he was "done with people" as motivation for alleged attack

On July 18th, 2023 at approximately 9:34 PM, the Howard County 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a male subject with a stab wound to the neck in the alley behind the 200 block of South Hunt St. in Greentown. Officers from the Greentown Police Department, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, Medics from Howard Regional Health and members of the Greentown Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to the scene.

The caller advised dispatch that the suspect was a white male wearing a red/black hoodie and was last seen running west. Within minutes, Greentown Deputy Marshal Arvin arrived in the area and began looking for the suspect using the description provided. After a few minutes of checking the immediate area, Marshal Arvin arrived on scene to assist the victim as Deputies began to arrive.

Upon arrival, Deputy Arvin discovered a white male victim with a laceration to his neck who was later identified as 48 y/o Ryan Cummins of Greentown, along with a bystander providing aid. During that time, Marshal Arvin was able to obtain the victims account as he was being treated by Paramedics.

Cummins stated that he was riding his bicycle in the alley when he was approached by a white male wearing a red/black hoodie. Cummins stated the suspect approached him and pepper sprayed him in the face. Cummins stated that the two began to fight and he believed he struck the suspect at least once in self-defense.

At some point during the altercation, Cummins stated he was stabbed in the neck and he fell to the ground. Cummins stated as he was being stabbed, the suspect stated that he was going to kill him. While on the ground, Cummins stated the suspect stood over him and asked him his name. Cummins replied, “Ryan”. The suspect then stated, “wrong guy” and left on foot.

Cummins then provided a more detailed description of the suspect and affirmed that he had never met the subject prior to today. Cummins was airlifted from the fairgrounds and his status is unknown at the time of this release.

During this time, 10 on-duty and off -duty Officers from both departments canvased the area looking for the suspect and evidence as area hospitals were put on notice of the suspect’s description. At approximately 10:25 PM, a Community Howard Regional Health Police Officer advised that a person matching the description of the suspect had arrived at the emergency department of the hospital.

Officers from the Greentown Police Department and Sheriff’s Office proceeded to the hospital while others remained on scene investigating. The suspect at the hospital was identified as 20 y/o Justin A. Crow Jr. of Jonesboro, TN. Using a photograph, Crow was positively identified as the suspect in this case by witnesses although he wasn’t wearing the clothes in the description Officers were initially given.

While being interviewed at the hospital by Sheriff’s Detectives, Officers on scene executed a search warrant in the 300 block of North Indiana (Greentown) where it was believed Crow was staying. Subsequent investigation revealed that Crow was staying with his grandparents in the 400 block of E. Grant St. (Greentown). A search of that residence resulted in the collection of evidence relating to the crime.

During the interview with Crow, his account of the incident changed multiple times. However, at the conclusion of the interview, Crow stated that Cummins called him a name and that it “triggered him.” Crow then admitted to cutting Cummins in the neck with a box knife and telling him he was going to kill him because he is “just done with people.”

Crow was later transported to the Howard County Jail where he was preliminarily booked in with the charge of Level 1 Felony Attempted Murder with no bond. It is worth noting that Crow is not a resident of Howard County and has only been here visiting a few weeks.

This case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Shirey at 765-614-3449 or by submitting a tip using our mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.