Stabbing suspect arrested; woman in hospital

Updated 4:45pm:

A South Lake Tahoe woman is fighting for her life at an area hospital after being stabbed Wednesday night.

The man accused of the stabbing – her husband – fled, but was arrested Thursday afternoon. Thomas Payne, 36, of South Lake Tahoe faces attempted murder charges.

Officers are not releasing the name of the 35-year-old victim.

“We don’t know how the altercation occurred or what happened,” Lt. David Stevenson told Lake Tahoe News.

The woman was stabbed in the upper chest and neck area. Details about the object used in the crime or even if it was located at the residence have not been released. The call came in at 8:47pm Oct. 15 on Lukins Way. The victim was able to go to a neighbor’s to seek aid.

The suspect left as officers arrived. On Thursday afternoon he returned to their residence where he was arrested by South Lake Tahoe police officers.

“The victim was transported to the hospital and went into emergency surgery to save her life.  Prior to surgery the victim identified her assailant as Thomas Payne and divulged additional details of domestic violence,” officers said in a press release.

Child Protective Services was called to take the couple’s 6-month-old child.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report