California man seriously injured in stabbing at Sandy gas station Tuesday

SANDY — A California man on his way to the airport was literally stabbed in the back when he stopped at a Sandy gas station Tuesday.

The 36-year-old victim stopped at the Tesoro gas station at 111 W. 10600 South with a female companion when he noticed a man standing near the gas station entrance staring at him. The victim asked the man what he was staring at and the two started arguing, which led to a physical fight, Sandy Police Lt. Victor Quezada said.

Several minutes into the fight, the victim realized he was bleeding from a small stab wound to the chest. When he turned around to leave, the other man stabbed him deep in the back and took off, police said.

Officers received a call about the fight at 11:40 p.m. after the victim had been transported to Alta View Hospital and attempted to locate the suspect. Tesoro and local business employees say the suspect frequently comes by and is believed to be homeless.

The man, described as having a dark-complexion, in his 40s about 5 feet 9 inches tall, was last seen running into a nearby Village Inn to use a bathroom. Police are searching for the suspect, who the victim said had a medium build, messy brown hair, a white T-shirt with Levi's and an unkempt appearance.

Upon arriving at Alta View Hospital, the victim was transported to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray in serious but stable condition.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact dispatchers at 801-840-4000.

— Lana Groves