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Arrest Warrant Issued in Stabbing, Nearby Crash in Dracut, Massachusetts

An arrest warrant has been issued after a stabbing and a crash sent two people to local hospitals early Tuesday morning.

The stabbing and crash are connected, according to Massachusetts investigators.

Dracut police first responded to a 911 call for a stabbing at a home on Sesame Street just after midnight.

When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from life-threatening injuries, according to the Middlesex district attorney's office. The victim, who has not yet been identified, was taken to a Boston hospital by a medical helicopter. She remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Around the same time, police responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Methuen Street and Parker Road. Authorities said based on a preliminary investigation, the man driving the vehicle may have been coming from the Sesame Street location.

The man, who has been identified as 59-year-old James O'Neil, of Dracut, was taken to a local hospital with serious but "not major" injuries. He remains hospitalized.

An arrest warrant has been issued for O'Neil for the charges of assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault and battery in connection with the stabbing.

Due to O'Neil's condition, he has not been placed under arrest at this time and an arraignment has not been scheduled.

The Middlesex DA's office said the investigation is active and ongoing. No further details are being released at this time.

NBC10 Boston observed a few cars arriving at the home where the stabbing happened, now blocked off by crime scene tape. People were seen stepping out to speak with police and hugging one another.

Later in the day, investigators collected evidence on the property, even pulling a dog out of the home.

Neighbor Cindy Benedict said her friends reached out to her upon hearing the news.

"This is very unusual for us to experience," Benedict said. "A lot of us know each other. This is just the one house we don't know."

Benedict said this is all "scary."

"Nobody wants this in their neighborhood," she said. "I have grandchildren in this neighborhood, too."

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