SHOW LOW, Ariz. — A 42-year-old Tucson man was arrested Saturday, Oct. 17, following a stabbing at the Show Low Circle K that left a woman hospitalized with multiple stab wounds, and a multi-agency response due to a standoff with the suspect. This article contains videos with a language warning.
Language warning: Viewer discretion is advised.
According to an Oct. 19 news release from the Show Low Police Department, officers responded at approximately 10:27 a.m. on Oct. 17 to the Circle K convenience store near 500 N. Clark Road.
Video of the scene on Oct.17 at the Circle K on Clark Rd where the alleged stabbing occurred. Video Credit: Mountain Daily Star.
Dispatch received reports that a vehicle had struck the building and a man had assaulted a woman with a knife before fleeing the area on foot.
When officers arrived, they discovered the female victim inside the vehicle suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was flown from the scene for emergency medical treatment.
Police identified the suspect as Cheves-Lee Hayes Inabnett, 42, of Tucson.
Officers located Inabnett at a nearby cell tower enclosure located next to the Dollar General.
Video of the cell tower enclosure next to the Dollar General in Show Low where Inabnett was located and where the standoff occurred. You can hear him communicating with law enforcement. Video Credit: Mountain Daily Star.
Members of the White Mountain Regional Special Response Team and police negotiators responded to the scene with their gear and prepared to deploy into the cell tower enclosure.
The White Mountain Response Team moved into position off SR260 between the Circle K and the Dollar General Store. Video Credit: Mountain Daily Star.
The AZDPS Trooper and other law enforcement personnel negotiated with the suspect while he was inside the wooden enclosure. The trooper gave Inabnett a cellphone, and he was heard talking on it. The AZDPS Trooper was heard negotiating with Inabnett to surrender.
Video of Inabnett talking on the phone and the AZDPS Trooper negotiating with him to surrender. Video Credit: Mountain Daily Star.
Inabnett yelled to this journalist and said, “These cops are going to shoot me, you watching this.”
Inabnett was heard by this journalist yelling and cursing while he looked over the fence as he spoke to law enforcement. At one point, he disappeared behind the wooden fence, and the scene became tense. At that time, this journalist decided to move to a safer location and took cover. Inabnett then popped back up and began communicating with law enforcement.
Subsequently, he surrendered to authorities after an hour-long standoff by climbing over the wooden fence.
Video of Inabnett surrendering after the AZDPS Trooper “talked him off the ledge.” Video Credit: Mountain Daily Star.
The surrender went smoothly, and Inabnett smoked his last cigarette before entering the police car.
Inabnett was booked on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, armed robbery, disorderly conduct with a weapon, trespassing, and criminal damage. Records show the bond is not listed; we are awaiting a response regarding the bond amount, if any.
As of Monday, October 19, police reported that the woman who was stabbed remained hospitalized and in stable condition. Authorities have not disclosed where she was transported or identified the victim.
Arizona Department of Corrections records show that Inabnett has a prior felony conviction for attempted arson of an occupied structure in Pima County.
According to state corrections records, the offense occurred July 21, 2017. Inabnett was sentenced on December 21, 2017, to three years and six months in prison. He was admitted to state custody on January 3, 2018.
The corrections database identifies Inabnett under inmate number 324134 and currently lists his status as inactive.
The Show Low Police Department thanked its dispatchers, officers, and detectives for their response, as well as the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Timber Mesa Fire and Medical for their assistance.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to contact the Show Low Police Department at (928) 537-4365.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The charges stemming from the October 17 incident are allegations, and Inabnett is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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The officers, troopers, and deputies who responded to the Oct. 17 incident demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to public safety. Their coordinated efforts and swift response reflect the important work our local law enforcement performs in protecting our community.
