Eli I. Collier

The 50-year-old suspect accused of stabbing a man three days ago in Rutherford County was apprehended Tuesday during a joint operation conducted by the La Vergne and Smyrna police departments.

"Eli I. Collier was arrested early this morning with the assistance of the La Vergne Police Department," said Kevin Arnold, chief of the Smyrna Police Department.

The arrest comes only one day after police sought help from the public in locating Collier, who allegedly stabbed Bryan Effler multiples times Saturday night in Smyrna.

Collier is facing one count of attempted murder in connection with the stabbing, Arnold said.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Moore Avenue, located off North Lowry Street near the intersection of Crescent Avenue.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Effler had been stabbed in his arm and through his right rib cage.

“He was Life Flighted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery,” Arnold said. “He is currently in stable but serious condition.”

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Collier was the suspect who allegedly stab Effler, Arnold said.

Witnesses reportedly told detectives Collier was last seen fleeing the area with his girlfriend, Sherry Jenkins, in a red Ford Focus.

Police have not released further information regarding the case, including whether Jenkins will face any charges in connection with the incident.