A Shiprock, N.M., man suspected of stabbing another man three times last weekend in Durango remained free Wednesday.
Raford Tan, 34, walked out of Mercy Regional Medical Center early Sunday after being arrested for drunken driving in the 1300 block of East Third Avenue.
Tan had several lacerations to his face and told officers he had been assaulted at Alpine Inn, 3515 Main Ave.
Police processed Tan for drunken driving and took him to Mercy for treatment. He was not on a police hold, because officers had no serious charges pending against him, said Sgt. Tony Archuleta, spokesman with the Durango Police Department.
Meanwhile, other officers went to Alpine Inn to investigate the assault. While at the motel, they discovered David George, 52, of Albuquerque had been stabbed three times.
By the time officers learned that Tan was a suspect in a stabbing, he had walked out of the hospital, Archuleta said.
Hospital officials had wanted to keep Tan for about three days to recover from his injuries, Archuleta said.
A nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Tan was one of four men suspected of stabbing someone in three separate incidents last weekend in La Plata County.
None of the victims died from their injuries.
Anyone with information about Tan's whereabouts is asked to call Crimestoppers at 247-1112.
Callers can remain anonymous and can possibly receive a reward for information leading to an arrest.
shane@durangoherald.com
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