ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Authorities have released new details in the fatal stabbing that occurred outside Ahi Sushi restaurant on Friday evening, including the identity of the deceased and the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Dustin Hedenberg. He was transported to Bayfront Hospital after the stabbing, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at 364 1st Avenue North, but died from his injuries.
Investigators have learned that moments before the stabbing, Hedenberg had reportedly been behaving erratically and allegedly punched an individual at the Scientology Center located at 336 1st Avenue North.
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Following that incident, Hedenberg proceeded to Ahi Sushi where he became involved in a heated confrontation with the business owner, Fayun Zhang. According to police, Hedenberg struck Zhang, knocking him to the ground, and then began punching him.
Detectives report that at one point during the altercation, Zhang grabbed a screwdriver and stabbed Hedenberg.
As of this update, Fayun Zhang has not been charged in connection with Hedenberg’s death. Investigators will confer with the State Attorney’s Office as they continue their investigation to determine if any charges are warranted.
First Avenue North between 3rd and 4th Streets, which was closed during the initial investigation, has since reopened.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A man has died after being stabbed during an altercation outside Ahi Sushi restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg on Friday evening.
Police were called to the scene at 364 1st Avenue North shortly before 6 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from stab wounds.
The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. His identity has not yet been released.
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Authorities have confirmed that two men are currently being questioned in connection with the stabbing.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, First Avenue North is closed between 3rd and 4th Streets.
Police officials stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. Further details are expected to be released as they become available.
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