(06/12/06) JERSEY CITY ? A fatal stabbing in Jersey City over the weekend highlights new crime statistics released by the FBI.

Investigators are searching for 20-year-old Emmanuel Reyes, who is accused of stabbing 19-year-old Nicolas Perhacs outside the Journal Square PATH station Sunday night. Police believe the two individuals may have had a hostile encounter prior to the stabbing. Prosecutors say Perhacs stumbled into the station and collapsed following the attack.

The incident coincides with the release of new crime statistics released by the FBI. According to the report, Jersey City saw a 65 percent increase in violent crimes last year. Crimes also spiked 15 percent in Newark, 100 percent in Paterson and 70 percent in Elizabeth. Law enforcement officials blame the increase on gangs and the availability of guns on the street.