Editor’s Note: This story has been updated as of 10:38 a.m., August 29, 2011.

A Mississippi State University student has been incarcerated in the Clay County Jail with his bond set at half a million dollars after allegedly stabbing another MSU student Friday in the Cotton District, David Lindley, Starkville Police chief said.

The suspect is set to appear in court tonight at 6.

The incident began when two patrons of Rock Bottom Bar were asked to leave for behavior that distracted other customers, Bart Lucius, Rock Bottom Bar manager and witness to the incident said.

Lucius said the suspect attacked the security guard on a public sidewalk after being removed from inside the bar. The victim of the stabbing, Joseph Ryan Davis, of Ocean Springs, Miss., jumped in to help the security guard, Lucius said.

Lucius said Davis was stabbed by the suspect, who took off on foot toward the Junction area of MSU’s campus.

“As soon as I saw that, I called 911, and they (the police) responded as quickly as possible,” he said.

Lindley said there are conflicting witness statements as to how and where the incident exactly occurred, the differences due to witness perception. 

“We will gather more details as the investigation goes on and try to decipher the true facts,” he said. “But it still remains that one armed person attacked another unarmed person.”

Lindley said the SPD do believe alcohol was involved in the incident. 

“The leads that we’re developing have been finalized,” he said. “We want to make sure of any further statements that go on the record.”

The SPD responded to the stabbing at 11:30 p.m. Davis was found at the scene suffering from severe multiple stab wounds to his torso, the SPD press release said.

Davis was moved to the back of Rock Bottom and placed on his back until the ambulance arrived for his safety, Lucius said.

He was transported to Baptist Regional Medical Center in Columbus by ambulance for surgery. Davis is listed in serious guarded condition after surgery.

Lucius, a friend of Davis, said he hopes everything will be fine and has spoken to the victim since the incident.

“He (Davis) is in good spirits,” he said.

William Daniel Prince, of 109 Locksley Way in Starkville’s Polo’s Apartments, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

The investigation continues, and the circumstances leading to the incident are still being determined, the press release said.

Lucius said Rock Bottom has concern for its customers.

“Safety is our number one priority for our customers,” he said. “We want to provide a safe and fun environment.”

No additional information is available at this time.