Police Say Man Stabbed Wife in Head During Domestic Argument

The victim was transported by ambulance to OHSU Trauma Center in serious condition.

Salem-News.com

(TUALATIN, Ore.) - Tualatin Police responded to a report of a domestic argument and stabbing at an apartment in the 6700 block of SW Childs Road, in Tualatin today at 2:25 p.m.

Jennifer Massey, spokesperson with Tualatin Police, says neighbors reported hearing a male and female verbally arguing.

"Tualatin Police arrived and knocked on the front door of the apartment. Upon observing the police officers through the window located next to the front door, the male suspect ran to the back of the apartment and stabbed the victim one time in the head with a knife."

She says the weapon was later identified as a kitchen steak knife with a 3 1/2 inch blade. Tualatin Police entered the apartment seconds later and detained the male suspect.

Massey says Tualatin Police determined that the suspect is the victim's estranged husband. The suspect was identified as 33-year old Zelaja Alonna Battles, of Tualatin.

Battles was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder, first-degree Assault, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He was also arrested on an outstanding felony warrant for violating the conditions of his parole, stemming from previous weapons charges.

Zelaja Battles was lodged in the Washington County Jail. A booking photo can be obtained by contacting the Washington County Jail.

The victim was transported by ambulance to OHSU Trauma Center in serious condition.