SPOKANE, WA. – Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 33-year-old man Monday evening after a stabbing at an apartment complex on East Hawthorne Road.

Deputies responded around 7:35 p.m. on August 25 to a report of a stabbing east of North Division Street. They found an adult female suffering from an apparent stab wound to the chest and immediately provided emergency medical aid, including applying a chest seal. Spokane County Fire District 9 and AMR personnel took over care and transported her to the hospital. Her injuries were later determined to be serious but not life-threatening.

Deputies identified the suspect as Michael A. Helms, who was known to the victim. Around 7:50 p.m., Helms was located near East Graves Road and Highway 2 alongside an adult female. Both complied with commands and were detained without incident.

Shortly after being placed in a patrol vehicle, Helms showed signs of a possible medical emergency, appearing to convulse and stop breathing. Deputies administered Naloxone (Narcan), removed him from the vehicle, and placed him in a rescue position. He quickly regained consciousness before Spokane County Fire District 9 personnel took over and transported him to a hospital for precautionary observation.

Investigators developed probable cause to charge Helms with first-degree assault. He was medically cleared just before midnight and booked into the Spokane County Jail. The woman who was detained with him was released without charges.