Stabbing leaves Cedar Rapids man with multiple wounds

A man suffered multiple stab wounds to his lower back and lacerations to his face during an altercation at a Cedar Rapids apartment building late Sunday, police said.

Officers were called to St. Luke's Hospital around 11:30 p.m. for man who had arrived at the emergency room with stab wounds. John Cook, 43, told police he was stabbed in the apartment building at 1263 First Ave. SE.

Cook told police he exchanged words with another man in the hallway just before the incident. Cook said the other man came up from behind him and hit him in the face, as he was walking away. Three other people came out of an apartment and began hitting Cook, too, according to the police report.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Cook's injuries were not considered life-threatening. His medical condition was not immediately known.

No arrests have been made. Hamblin said Cook had been drinking earlier in the evening, and police needed to follow up with him to see if he would like to press charges against his attackers.

An investigation was continuing.