Rochester PD: Salvation Army stabbing suspect 'definitely under the influence'

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KMSP) - Police have identified the suspect who allegedly stabbed and killed two people at a Rochester Salvation Army apartment building Saturday evening, saying he was "definitely under the influence of alcohol" at the time of the incident.

It's the first homicide in Rochester with multiple victims in more than 20 years, and follows another murder just days ago.

Glenn Roger Johnson was arrested just after 7:15 p.m. while attempting to leave the Castleview Apartments on N. Broadway Street from a back stairwell, according to police, who believe he was acting alone. The building is used to house homeless individuals, the disabled, those in poverty and some suffering from mental health issues.

Authorities located two victims on the fourth floor of the building suffering from stab wounds in the chest and upper abdomen. Eric Alan Flemming, 45, and Phillip William Hicks, 57, were pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.

All three men were residents at Castleview and had "bickered" with each other at least several times in the past, police said.

Residents, meanwhile, hope the recent spate of violence isn't a sign of a larger trend. Local realtor and candidate for state Rep. Kenneth Bush has an office across the street and says he's rarely heard of problems in the area.

"We are a safe community generally," he said. "I guess I'm a little taken aback."

Johnson is currently being held on two counts of second degree murder, officials said. No possible motive has been released.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.