New London — A man is in critical condition after being stabbed multiple times Thursday afternoon, according to police. Authorities soon after apprehended the suspect, later identified as Christopher Petteway, on South Water Street.

The New London Police Department said in a news release Thursday night that Petteway, 42, of 25 Brainard St. has been charged with first-degree assault, attempted murder and violation of a protective order. Police Capt. Brian Wright said the protective order became effective Aug. 2.

Police Chief Peter Reichard said a passer-by called 911 about 2:14 p.m. to report that a fight was taking place at 25 Brainard St. and someone had been stabbed.

"We don't believe the passer-by knew them, but we believe the victim and the suspect knew each other," Reichard said in the afternoon. Police later confirmed the victim and suspect knew each other, and said the incident is considered a domestic violence case.

Police arrived and found an adult male victim suffering from "numerous stab wounds," Reichard said. The victim was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for emergency medical care.

Police quickly secured the scene, K-9s and detectives responded, and area schools were directed to go into lockdown "as a precautionary measure during the search for the suspect," the news release stated.

Police said they apprehended Petteway, who did not appear to be injured, without incident after a brief search. As of late Thursday, they had not released the name of the victim.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact city police at (860) 447-5269, ext. 0.

According to court records, Petteway was found guilty in August of second-degree threatening and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors, stemming from a June 19 incident.

Last April, Petteway was injured in a collision between his bicycle and a police cruiser.

e.moser@theday.com