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Tahoe man charged with stabbing wife

Tribune staff report

South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) personnel arrested a man Thursday afternoon accused of stabbing and severely injuring a woman during an incident Wednesday night.

The arrest came after investigators returned to the home of the suspect, Thomas Payne, 36, to see if he had returned and found him there, according to a press release issued by the SLTPD.

Police began searching for Payne late Wednesday evening after 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 called police.



Within minutes, SLT Police Sgt. Shannon Laney was the first on scene and applied direct pressure to the woman’s wound. Medical Aid was further rendered by the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department. The victim was transported to the hospital and went into emergency surgery with life-threatening injuries. She was reported to be recovering in an area hospital on Thursday afternoon. Additionally, a 6-month-old baby, who was reported to be in healthy condition, was taken from the woman’s residence and put into protective custody.

Prior to surgery, the woman identified Payne as her alleged assailant and provided police additional details believed to be regarding domestic violence.



Officers and K-9s conducted a search for several hours in the far west end of the city, but were not able to find him. Helicopter assistance with the search was requested but was not able to be provided because of weather.

Payne was arrested on charges of attempted murder. The case is under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.


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