South Lake Tahoe, CA…On 10-15-14 in the late evening hours, a neighbor in the 2000 block of Lukins Way was confronted at the doorway by a woman bleeding from a reported stab wound to her neck. The neighbor rendered aid immediately and summoned police. Within minutes, SLT Police Sergeant Shannon Laney was the first on scene and applied direct pressure to the woman’s wound. Medical Aid was further rendered by South Lake Tahoe Fire. 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 and K-9’s assisted in the search of the suspect for several hours in the far west end of the city, and were not able to locate him. 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. The victim is recovering in an area hospital.

On 10-16-14 at about 2:00pm Officers went back to the residence to see if Payne had returned. Payne was located at the residence and taken into custody without incident. Payne was arrested for attempted murder. This case is still under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. A current photo of Payne was not available at the time of this release.