GRANTS PASS, Ore. – A man was stabbed Tuesday during a violent confrontation with an abortion protester outside a Planned Parenthood health center, police said.
Ted Clair was stabbed seven times in the abdomen and neck during a fight with Christopher Tolhurst, who had signs denouncing abortion and Planned Parenthood, officials said.
Witnesses said that earlier in the day, Clair's 22-year-old daughter, Kailah Clair, argued with Tolhurst and kicked over his protest signs, Lt. Dennis Ward said.
They said Tolhurst pushed the woman, and she returned later with her father, who confronted Tolhurst.
Ward said in a statement that witnesses reported Ted Clair pushed Tolhurst to the ground and punched him "numerous times" in the face, and then Tolhurst stabbed Clair.
Grants Pass police said no arrests have been made.
Ted Clair was hospitalized with serious injuries. A Three Rivers Medical Center spokesman declined to comment on his condition Tuesday night.
Tolhurst was treated for facial swelling and bruising. Kailah Clair was treated for hand cuts and an arm bruise.
Tolhurst's signs denounced abortion and Planned Parenthood, but Planned Parenthood for Southwestern Oregon spokeswoman Sarah Mosely said that clinic only provides health services and doesn't perform abortions.
"It just appears to be a tragic situation," she said. "Our thoughts are with the people who have been injured and their loved ones."
Neighbor Charlotte Cook said the protester accosted people coming and going through the area.
"It was an accident looking for a place to happen," she said.
Cherie Adams said he would yell obscenities at her when she walked past him, and she changed her route to work.
"He's been out there for months," she said. "He's screaming at people. I had a feeling something like this would happen."
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