SLCPD Coordinated Efforts Result in Arrest of Aggravated Assault Suspect

SALT LAKE CITY — Overnight, as part of a coordinated effort between several divisions within the Salt Lake City Police Department, officers located and arrested a 22-year-old suspect accused of stabbing a woman and critically injuring her.

“This case highlights the outstanding ability of our department to quickly and effectively coordinate and communicate during a rapidly unfolding investigation,” said Chief Mike Brown. “Our patrol officers, detectives, members of our specialty units and crime lab technicians never let up in their pursuit of justice. These investigations require dedicated members of law enforcement, and I’m proud we have that caliber of excellence throughout our department.”

This investigation started at approximately 7:30 a.m. on April 21, 2022 when a community member found a woman in an alley in the 200-block of East Hampton Avenue.

Paramedics responded and located the woman on the ground unresponsive with multiple stab wounds. Due to the severity of the injuries, paramedics immediately transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition.

Patrol officers and detectives responded to the scene and hospital to investigate.

During the investigation, officers located forensic evidence and a vehicle belonging to 22-year-old Dontel Cowans in close proximity to where paramedics found the victim.

Investigators located a fingerprint on the exterior of the vehicle. The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Crime Lab technicians processed the fingerprint and used the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a national law enforcement database, to confirm the fingerprint belonged to Cowans.

Members of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Central Bike Squad went to Cowans’ residence and safely placed him into custody pursuant to the ongoing investigation.

Detectives assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Robbery and Violent Crimes Squad obtained a court-authorized search warrant.

Members of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s SWAT Team secured the residence so detectives could process the location for additional evidence.

Due to evidence located inside the residence, detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit responded to the residence to assist detectives.

The SLCPD’s Special Investigations Unit handles a variety of cases, including drug-related crimes.

Officers transported Cowans to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and charged him with one count of Aggravated Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

The SLCPD will continue to work with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office to determine what, if any, additional charges may be applicable in this case.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

No additional details are being released at this time.

Related Press Release:

SLCPD Investigating Aggravated Assault, Assistance From Public Requested

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