A Kalispell man is in stable condition after being stabbed during an altercation in his vehicle Tuesday night in Kalispell.

According to Kalispell Police Detective Sgt. Scott Warnell, 25-year-old Saylen Nielsen was in his vehicle with William Irvin Smith Jr., 50, in the area of Parkridge Drive and Barron Way shortly after 9 p.m. when the two got into a fight.

During that fight, Smith allegedly stabbed Nielsen in the abdomen and throat.

Nielsen fled the vehicle and ran to a home on Barron Way, whose occupants called 911. He told the residents that Smith had taken his car after he fled, and the residents told police they had seen a vehicle speed past just after the assault occurred.

A half hour later, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was traveling north on U.S. 93 halfway between Kalispell and Whitefish when he saw a vehicle pull out of a convenience store and begin driving south in the northbound lane.

After discovering the driver apparently was drunk, the trooper determined the vehicle belonged to Nielsen.

Smith was arrested on a preliminary charge of felony assault with a weapon. Warnell said Smith may also face a charge of aggravated DUI.

“The Flathead County Attorney’s Office will review the case for any further charges,” Warnell said.

He added that both men are believed to have been drinking and that the theft of Nielsen’s car, while still being investigated, is believed to be incidental to the fact that Nielsen fled the car after being stabbed.

Nielsen is recovering at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.