A Dowagiac woman is suspected of stabbing an 18-year-old, after an argument between the two escalated to the point of violence early Monday morning.

Tarya Halcomb, 20, was charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and a count of possession of alcohol by a minor during her arraignment in court Monday afternoon. She is currently being held at the county jail on $25,000 bond.

According to police, the incident occurred between midnight and 12:15 a.m. Monday, in the parking lot of Vineyard Place Apartments, where the victim lives.

Police believe that Halcomb and the victim were embroiled in an argument concerning a third party when the woman pulled out a knife and attacked the man, said Director of Public Safety Steven Grinnewald.

“He was stabbed in the chest, but it wasn’t a life threatening wound,” Grinnewald said.

A friend of the victim transported him to Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital for treatment. Police shortly thereafter made contact with the victim at the hospital, where they learned about the circumstances of the incident, as well as information about the suspect and her possible whereabouts.

Authorities tracked down Halcomb to a residence on Pennsylvania Ave., matching the vehicle parked in the driveway with the description given by the victim. After speaking with her and other eyewitnesses, police placed Halcomb under arrest, without incident.

Police discovered that she was also injured during the altercation, with several lacerations on her hands, which authorities believe were caused when she stabbed the victim.

“It was not anything [the victim] did to her,” Grinnewald said.

After receiving treatment for her wounds, Halcomb was taken to the Cass County Jail facility.

While the suspect and the victim appear to have known each other, there is no indication they were romantically involved, the police chief said.

Halcomb’s next date in court is scheduled on Aug. 27.