Martinez

The man accused in a stabbing incident late last month is now in custody.

The Marshalltown Police Department reported that Vincent James Martinez, 24, turned himself in to the authorities early Thursday morning.

Police had been asking for the public’s help in locating Martinez, who they believe is responsible for a stabbing incident which left another man seriously injured.

According to the MPD, at about 10 a.m. June 29, officers responded to the UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown emergency room on a report of a stabbing victim seeking treatment. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim was unable to provide any suspect information as they were undergoing medical treatment and surgery. A witness, who took the victim to the emergency room, provided officers with a possible crime scene location — South 5th Street and West Boone Street, and limited suspect information.

MPD Capt. Brian Batterson said according to the witness, the stabbing took place in an alley near the intersection, but officers were unable to locate a crime scene, in part, because heavy rains following the incident may have washed away any possible evidence. Over the next several days, MPD detectives conducted several more witness interviews, executed a search warrant and interviewed the victim after they were released from intensive care.

The follow-up interviews and investigation led to the identification of Martinez as the suspect and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Batterson said the victim and Martinez were familiar with each other and an argument between the two apparently led to the stabbing. “This was not a random crime,” he added.

Martinez made his initial court appearance later Thursday morning, formally charged with attempted murder, a Class B felony. A preliminary hearing has been set for 1 p.m. July 31.

He is currently being held at the Marshall County Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond.