BLOOMINGTON - A 37-year-old man accused of attempted murder may have stabbed a man he believed was going to sell drugs at his apartment building, police said Friday.

Alexander Alexis, of the 800 block of East Washington Street, was arrested Thursday night by Normal police's proactive unit. He was picked up on a warrant charging him with attempted murder and jailed in lieu of posting $15,000.

Alexander Alexis

Police said Alexis stabbed a 23-year-old man in his chest and left side about 9 p.m. Monday during an incident in the alley behind Alexis' apartment building.

A witness told police that Alexis became angry and pulled out a folding knife after suspecting the victim had come to the building to sell drugs, said police spokesman Duane Moss. A fight reportedly broke out and the two men collided as the victim was stabbed, Moss said.

The victim fled to a nearby convenience store to get help. He was taken to BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal, where he was treated and then released earlier this week, hospital officials said. He does not face charges.

Charges still are pending against Alexis from an arrest Nov. 2, 2008 in the 900 block of East Oakland Avenue, Bloomington. In that case, Alexis allegedly was carrying marijuana and had a gun when officers searched a car he was in, Moss said.

He was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/vehicle, resisting a peace officer and marijuana possession.

He is due for a status hearing on those charges 10 a.m. March 26. He posted $500 bond and was released from the jail Nov. 4.