Suspect in Newton stabbing found in Florida

The Newton man suspected of stabbing a woman earlier this month was finally found and arrested in a state more than 1,400 miles away from Jasper County.

Tyrece Bernard Lewis, 38, was arrested on March 21 by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida on an attempted murder warrant related to the March 6 attack. Law enforcement authorities in Iowa and Florida received citizen tips leading to Lewis’ apprehension, Newton Police Department announced in a press release.

Efforts are underway to have Lewis extradited to Iowa for his initial court appearance. Police issued the attempted murder warrant on March 14 and repeatedly asked for the public’s help in finding Lewis. Attempted murder is a Class B felony, which has a penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment.

On March 6, officers were called to Dollar General, 1803 First Ave. E., at 12:54 p.m. regarding an assault in progress. The caller said there was a physical altercation in the parking lot between a man and a woman, and the woman was bleeding from her back.

The 34-year-old victim was transported by ambulance for medical treatment and was later released. Lewis was identified as the suspect in the attack. Authorities say the victim and the suspect had previously been in a relationship, and a no-contact order was in effect at the time of the assault.