Posted 4:10 p.m. Feb. 21 — Metropolitan Police arrested Clifford Williams at about 3 p.m. for allegedly stabbing another construction worker in front of the Marvin Center early Thursday morning. GW and Follett officials confirmed that the men were temporary employees working on renovations to the GW Bookstore.

Williams was charged with assault with intent to kill, which carries a punishment of two to 15 years in prison, Sgt. Michael Farish said. Williams had fled the scene in a van parked on 21st Street and was apprehended near the 6th District MPD station at 100 42nd St., NE.

Farish, who was in charge of daylong investigation, said the victim is in the GW Hospital in “grave condition.” He said the man suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest from an altercation that happened on the corner of 21st and H streets. Farish said the victim went to the Marvin Center for help and made it to the bottom of the basement steps before collapsing.

Farish said the men were arguing over a coat at about 5:30 a.m.

Follett spokesman Cliff Ewart said the two men were hanging fixtures throughout the night and were finished when the altercation happened. He said the men work for temporary agency Labor Ready. Follett hired Show Best as a sub-contractor for fixtures, and the sub-contractor hired the Labor Ready employees, Ewart said. Follett manages the GW Bookstore.

Officials for Labor Ready could not be reached for immediate comment.

Robert Chernak, vice president for Student and Academic Support Services, said he arrived at GW after police cleared the scene but heard there was a lot of blood on the ground.

“I’ve got to believe there’s got to be more than just arguing over a jacket (involved),” he said.