Arrest made in March stabbing at Cedar Rapids apartment building

Police arrested a Cedar Rapids man Saturday in connection with a stabbing at an apartment building in March.

Sylvester J. Adams, 29, was taken into custody around 11 a.m. on suspicion of willful injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. Police said Adams was one of four men who attacked John Cook, 43, on March 6 at 1263 First Ave. SE

Police said Cook suffered multiple stab wounds to his lower back, lacerations to his head and a broken ankle in the attack, but his injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Cook told police he exchanged words with a man in the hallway of his apartment building as he went to get his mail. He said he was walking away when the man hit him from behind. Cook told police three other men came out of an apartment and assaulted him.

A roommate gave Cook a ride to St. Luke's Hospital, where staff called police.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said three of the men who attacked Cook had knives and one had a baseball bat. An arrest warrant was issued for Adams on Sept. 9. Officers picked him up Saturday at 415 15th St. SE and transported him to the Linn County Jail.

Hamblin said Cook was able to identify Adams as one of his attackers. She said an investigation is continuing to determine the three other suspects.