Man suspected of slitting another’s throat at West Salem Kwik Trip arrested in Tennessee

Just one day after a man was attacked this week with a knife at a West Salem Kwik Trip, a suspect in the crime was arrested after officers caught up with his truck in Tennessee.

Police in West Salem say 59-year-old Paul Stokes is believed to be the driver who cut another man’s throat and chest on Monday at a Kwik Trip on Jefferson Street.

Stokes reportedly fled from the gas station in a red semi truck, and that truck was seen the next day in Kentucky. Within a couple of hours, police in Weakley County, Tennessee pursued the truck, and Stokes was taken to jail.

The driver who was wounded received treatment at a La Crosse area hospital.

Stokes is facing charges of recklessly endangering safety, and substantial battery with a dangerous weapon. It’s not known when he might be returned to La Crosse County to face the local charges.