Spencer Stone, French Train Attack Hero, Stabbed in Sacramento

Updated, 1:20 p.m.

Spencer Stone, the U.S. Air Force enlistee who was among a group of men hailed as heroes for helping thwart a terrorist attack on a French train in August, was stabbed early Thursday during what police are calling a "nightlife-related" altercation in Sacramento.

Stone, who sustained multiple wounds, is reportedly in serious condition but is expected to survive.

The incident took place shortly before 1 a.m. near 21st and K streets, a neighborhood with several bars. On social media, Sacramento police said alcohol was "believed to be a factor" in the episode.

The Police Department also reported on Facebook:

It is believed that the victim was out with a group of friends when a physical altercation led to the victim being stabbed multiple times in his upper body. Detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation and the victim is currently being treated for what appears to be non-life threatening injuries.

In a later press release, the department said, "We firmly believe that this is not a terrorism related event and that it is in no way related to the incident that occurred in France. The assault does not appear to be a random act and is believed to be a nightlife related incident."

Police released a 13-second clip from a liquor store surveillance video, embedded above, that depicts a man believed to be Stone in a fight with five or six other men. The department also made public a still image of two "persons of interest" who are said to have fled the area after the fight.

The Sacramento Bee describes the early-morning incident this way:

One source with knowledge of the investigation said Stone was with two men and three women at Badlands Dance Club at 20th and K streets, then left and walked one block east, where the altercation began and Stone was stabbed. Police do not believe the attack was a hate crime.

Officers initially thought Stone would not survive the stabbing. However, once he arrived at the UC Davis Medical Center staff was able to stem the bleeding and he is expected to survive.

Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Karns said he had no details on the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.

Stone, 23, and two of his childhood friends from Sacramento, National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and college student Anthony Sadler, were vacationing in Europe over the summer when they took down a gunman on a Paris-bound passenger train, receiving sudden celebrity and worldwide accolades.

A British businessman and a French-American also have been praised for their efforts to stop the gunman.

President Obama met with the three Americans last month, praising them for their quick thinking and courage and calling them "the very best of America." They were also awarded France's highest honor by President Francois Hollande. The three appeared on late-night talk shows and received a hometown parade in their honor.

Stone suffered a cut thumb and other injuries in stopping the train attack. He is assigned to Travis Air Force Base in California.

This post includes reporting from the Associated Press.