A South Lake Tahoe woman is recovering in the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery for a stab wound to the neck Wednesday night.
Thomas Payne, 36, also of South Lake Tahoe, was arrested Thursday afternoon for attempted murder after the victim identified him as the perpetrator of the domestic violence.
According to South Lake Tahoe Police, a local resident answered their door and found a woman bleeding from a stab wound to her neck. The neighbor rendered aid until SLTPD arrived and Sgt. Shannon Laney started applying pressure to the wound. South Lake Tahoe Fire Department assisted and the woman was transported to the hospital.
The suspect was no longer in the area and an unsuccessful search for Payne by officers and K-9s lasted for several hours in the far west end of the city. Helicopter assistance with the search was requested but unavailable due to weather.
A six month old baby was taken from the woman’s residence and put into protective custody; the baby is doing well.
On Thursday, October 16 at about 2:00 p.m., officers went back to the residence in the 2000 block of Lukins Way to see if Payne had returned. Payne was located at the residence and taken into custody without incident.
This case is still under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at 530-542-6100. A current photo of Payne was not available at the time of this release.