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PAYSON — A Payson man was charged with attempted murder Thursday in the stabbing of another man.
Guillermo Gallegos, 27, is accused of stabbing a man in the stomach, back, hips and buttocks at a home near 1400 South and Riley Drive around 1 a.m. Sunday.
Gallegos is charged in 4th District Court with attempted murder, a first-degree felony, as well as obstructing justice and tampering with a witness, both third-degree felonies.
The stabbing victim required emergency surgery after a physical altercation with Gallegos, police said. The man was reportedly unarmed at the time.
"During the altercation, there is no indication that the suspect or individuals in the immediate area were at immediate risk of death or serious bodily injury," charging documents state.
Police said Gallegos fled the scene as officers were arriving. He turned himself in at the police department Sunday afternoon, about 12 hours after the stabbing, police said.
Gallegos immediately requested an attorney and didn't elaborate on the stabbing, according to court records. He was booked into the Utah County Jail, where he remains in custody on $50,000 cash-only bail.
Charges say the stabbing was part of a "family disturbance." Gallegos allegedly told the victim's girlfriend at one point after the stabbing that "I'll kill him if I have to," according to charging documents.
Police initially asked prosecutors to charge Gallegos with aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, but the charge was enhanced to attempted murder.
Gallegos' first court hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Monday before 4th District Judge Darold McDade in Provo.
