Salt Lake stabbing victim in critical condition, suspect in custody

SALT LAKE CITY — Police say a 22-year-old man is in custody after a woman was found bleeding with multiple stab wounds in a Salt Lake City alley Thursday morning.

The investigation started around 7:30 a.m. after police received reports of an injured woman lying on the ground near 280 East Hampton Ave.

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Paramedics responded, found the woman bleeding on the ground and transported her to a hospital in critical condition. Police say doctors upgraded the victim’s condition to critical but stable before she was taken into emergency surgery Thursday. No update on her condition was provided in Friday’s press release from the SLCPD.

Police said officers located forensic evidence and a vehicle belonging to Dontel Cowans, 22, near the area where the woman was found. Investigators also found a fingerprint on the vehicle’s exterior, and crime lab technicians confirmed it belonged to Cowans.

Officers then went to Cowans residence and arrested him. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on one charge of aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Police said additional charges may be filed.

“This case highlights the outstanding ability of our department to quickly and effectively coordinate and communicate during a rapidly unfolding investigation,” said Chief Mike Brown with the Salt Lake City Police Department. “Our patrol officers, detectives, members of our specialty units and crime lab technicians never let up in their pursuit of justice. These investigations require dedicated members of law enforcement, and I’m proud we have that caliber of excellence throughout our department.”