By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A 25-year-old man who said he was stabbed by two strangers in Rochester when he and a friend ran out of gas is undergoing surgery this morning at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Thurston County deputies learned of the attack about 11:45 p.m. yesterday when they were called to an Olympia hospital for a reported stabbing.
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Ray Brady said the man suffered had multiple stab wounds and was subsequently flown to Harborview with life-threatening injuries but is expected to survive.
The victim told deputies he was with a friend in the area of U.S. Highway 12 and Southwest 183rd Avenue when their Toyota Forerunner ran out of fuel. He said they were approached by two Hispanic males who started a fight with his friend, and when he intervened, they assaulted him, according to Brady.
He said his friend ran away and he phoned a family friend to come pick him up.
Brady said the family friend had to persuade him to go to the hospital, and he was taken to Capitol Medical Center.
His name was not released but Brady said he may be transient and at one time in the past held a Centralia address.
Deputies have scoured the area where he said the stabbing occurred but have not been able to locate a crime scene, or the light green Toyota Forerunner. They have not located the friend either, as the victim said he doesn’t know the friend’s last name, Brady said.
Detectives are continuing to investigate and are urging any witnesses to contact the sheriff’s office with information, at 360-786-5279