Driver nearly loses finger in scuffle with knife-wielding pedestrian

A motorist nearly lost a finger when he was slashed by a knife-wielding pedestrian he confronted after the man allegedly threw items at his car early Wednesday morning in northwest Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City police Detective Dennis McGowan said the male driver told officers that he was near 900 West and 600 North about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday when the suspect and a female companion walked in front of him, attempting to cross in the middle of the road.

McGowan said the woman hurried across, but the suspect apparently took his time, and then threw unspecified items at the car.

The driver stopped and got out, confronting the suspect. A scuffle ensued during which the driver was slashed with a knife, his pinky finger nearly being severed, police said.

The motorist was transported to the hospital for treatment of his wounded digit.

Both the suspect and the woman fled the scene on foot. However, police were able to use a cell phone one of the two dropped to obtain an address, where they found the male suspect and arrested him.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims