UPDATE: Stabbing Victim Expected to Recover

A woman who was injured in a stabbing late Wednesday morning outside the Salina Walmart is expected to make a full recovery.

First responders were sent to the business around 11:46 AM to the report of a stabbing. They located a 26-year old woman who suffered a stab wound to her back. The victim was transported to Salina Regional Heath Center via Salina EMS.

Thursday evening police said the victim underwent surgery and is recuperating, and will likely make a full recovery.

Police took 71-year old Kenneth Harold Smith of Salina into custody at the scene. He could face charges which include:

  • Attempted 1st Degree Murder
  • Criminal Use of a Weapon
  • Aggravated Weapons Violation by a Convicted Felon
  • Criminal Carrying of a Weapon

Smith is being held on no bond in the Saline County Jail.

If anyone has additional information, please contact the Detective Division of the Salina Police
Department.

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ORIGINAL: A man was arrested following a stabbing in front of the Salina Walmart store late Wednesday morning.

Salina Police say at approximately 11:46 AM, dispatch received a call that a person had been stabbed in front of Walmart at 2900 S. 9th Street. Officers responded and located a 26-year old woman who suffered a stab wound to her back.

Officers were directed to a man who was still at the scene, and he was identified as the person who committed the stabbing. The man was taken into custody.

The man was identified as 71-year old Kenneth Harold Smith, of Salina.

The victim was rushed to Salina Regional Heath Center via Salina EMS.

An investigation is on-going by Detectives, Officers and Crime Scene Technicians. The police department will confer with the Saline County Attorney on requested charges.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, a motive was unclear, and investigators are attempting to gather additional information.

Police are seeking any information from anyone in the public that may have witnessed the event. Photographs or video are especially helpful.