Insult May Have Triggered Stabbing Attack

Thu., Oct. 8, 1998

By Pat Sciuchetti pats@spokesman.com

A 41-year-old Valley man was stabbed several times with an ice pick-type weapon Saturday near the Western Dance Center in Sullivan Park.

An insult apparently triggered the attack, which left the victim with stab wounds to the right eye, throat, stomach, chest and hands. The injuries were not life threatening.

Deputies are looking for a Post Falls man believed to be the assailant.

The suspect had been staying with his wife in a trailer near the Western Dance Center. The trailer is normally occupied by the dance center’s maintenance man, but the couple was staying there in his absence, according to reports from the sheriff’s office.

The maintenance worker returned Saturday with a friend and the four started drinking together, sheriff’s deputies said.

The stabbing victim allegedly insulted the suspect’s wife, leading to a fight, deputies said. The suspect punched the victim in the stomach and face, then pulled a weapon resembling an ice pick out of his back pocket.

The suspect stabbed the victim repeatedly, according to reports. The victim told police he tried to defend himself with a shovel, but couldn’t because his vision was obscured by blood.

The victim ran away, stopping after about three blocks to call 911 from a gas station. Deputies searched the trailer and park, but couldn’t find the suspect.

Anyone with information should call Crime Check at 456-2233.

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