Deputies interview stabbing victim

MOSES LAKE - Grant County sheriff's deputies have released more information regarding an Oct. 22 stabbing about eight miles north of Moses Lake.

Juan Alberto Torres, 25, Moses Lake, was reportedly stabbed in the chest while attending a family function at Road 10.8 Northeast, according to Grant County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ryan Rectenwald.

Torres was transported last week by helicopter from Samaritan Hospital to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. He has since been released and investigators interviewed him Friday to ascertain details of the incident, Rectenwald said.

Torres reportedly told deputies the man who stabbed him asked him to walk outside the shop and talk to him, which he did. The suspect offered Torres a cigarette and Torres at first declined, saying he was a non-smoker. He told deputies he eventually accepted the cigarette because he wanted the suspect to quit asking him, but reiterated he didn't smoke when the suspect offered to light it.

At that point the suspect reportedly proceeded to stab Torres once in the chest, Rectenwald said.

Torres walked hurriedly back to the party and stated he was stabbed, after which he was reportedly placed in a private vehicle and driven toward the hospital.

While en route to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake the driver of the vehicle waved down responding deputies.

Torres told investigators he doesn't personally know the suspect who stabbed him, other than having seen him around the area the last six years or so.

"Torres stated he's never even talked to suspect and has no issues with him nor does any of his family," Rectenwald said.

The stabbing was determined not to be gang-related, Rectenwald said. He added there was one witness to the incident who has not been interviewed.

Deputies have released no description or further information on the suspect at this time.