Serving the High Plains

Police: Argument leads to stabbing

TUCUMCARI - A man was arrested, while another was airlifted to an Amarillo hospital after being stabbed during an argument at an apartment complex in Tucumcari, according to the Tucumcari Police Department.

Joseph Montano, 54, was booked into the Quay County Detention Center on July 24, on the charges of: Aggravated battery (great bodily harm), tampering with evidence, negligent use of a deadly weapon and resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer.

At 2 p.m. that day, officers responded to a 911 call of a stabbing at the Quay Apartments on the 700 block of West Sunset Avenue, said Peter Rivera, Tucumcari Deputy Police Chief.

Rivera said upon arrival, officers made contact with a male subject later identified as Jackson Talvitie, 40, of Tucumcari, who had injuries to his arm. He said Talvitie was transported to Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital by ambulance and later airlifted to an Amarillo hospital for treatment.

"The injuries required treatment that was not available at this facility," Rivera said. "Talvitie has since been released from the hospital."

Multiple agencies including the Quay County Sheriff's Office began to search for Montano, whom Talvitie alleged had attacked him with a knife.

Montano was located a short time later hiding at a residence on the 800 block of West Hancock Avenue, said Russell Shafer, Quay County Sheriff.

Shafer said Montano was taken into custody without incident.

Rivera said this case is still under investigation.

Montano was released with the condition of wearing a GPS ankle monitor.