An early Christmas celebration turned violent when two men got into an argument and one was stabbed.

The argument, which occurred December 16, led to the arrest of Howell Kim Williams, who was served warrants for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Detective O.L. Wiltsie of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said Lieutenant Neil Aycock and Deputy D. Radford responded to Faulcon Road in the Littleton area around 7 p.m.

They determined Williams, 47, of Roanoke Rapids, was the alleged suspect in the crime.

Chief Deputy Wes Tripp said Williams and the victim were at the residence watching a ballgame and celebrating Christmas when an argument began.

When the victim tried to leave, Williams allegedly spat in his face. The victim punched Williams, who fell to the ground. As the victim again tried to leave he felt stab wounds to his lower back. Investigation determined he was stabbed three times.

Williams was jailed on $20,000 bond and has a January 30 court date.