Man Rushed into Surgery After Stabbing at Rochester Apartment

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police responded to a stabbing Wednesday that resulted in a Rochester man being rushed into surgery. 

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Police Captain Casey Moilanen said officers were dispatched to the stabbing shortly after 2:20 p.m. The victim is described as a 31-year-old man. 

The stabbing happened after a fight broke out during a party at one of the apartments in the Gates of Rochester apartment complex in the 2,000 block of 41st St. Northwest. 

The police report indicates the victim and 25-year-old Santos Vazquez of Rochester were in a group that had been drinking during the day. Vazquez took a knife from the kitchen and began chasing the victim after the two had gotten into a physical fight, Moilanen said. 

The police report alleges Vazquez chased the victim out of the unit and stabbed him multiple times outside of the apartment. The victim was taken from the apartment complex to St. Mary’s Hospital where he went into surgery for further treatment of what are described as serious injuries. 

Moilanen did not have an update on the victim’s condition, but said he is expected to survive. Vazquez was taken into custody after officers arrived. 

Police reported finding 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine when they arrested Vazquez, Moilanen said. Officers arrested Vazquez on suspicion of second-degree assault, domestic assault and fifth-degree drug possession. 

Vasquez is also suspected of pushing down and kicking a woman who tried to de-escalate the fight. Police say she suffered minor injuries.