'Name-calling' started argument that led to Cedar Rapids stabbing

Name-calling started the argument that ended when a man was stabbed and sliced across the face outside of a Cedar Rapids bar early Saturday, police said.

Paul J. Lomas, 26, of 6041 Underwood Ave. SW, has been charged with willful injury causing serious injury after he allegedly stabbed Jeff Bowman, 31, of Cedar Rapids, outside of Viking Lounge, 1971 16th Ave. SW.

Police said Bowman suffered life-threatening injuries when he was stabbed three times in the back. He was taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where his condition was not known Monday morning.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said witnesses told police the two men argued inside the bar earlier in the evening. She said Bowman was in the parking lot, getting ready to leave, when Lomas confronted and assaulted him.

“We've gotten conflicting stories about what the original argument was about,” Hamblin said. “We've heard a wide range of things, but it comes down to name-calling.”

Police first learned of the incident around 2 a.m. when Bowman arrived at Mercy Medical Center. Lomas arrived later and received treatment for a cut to his hand.

After he was treated for the cut, Lomas came with officers to the Police Station for questioning. He was arrested and taken to the Linn County Jail.

Investigators believe a knife was used in the assault, but Hamblin said the weapon has not been recovered.

Police pursued charges of attempted murder, but Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden said his office formally charged Lomas with willful injury instead. Willful injury is a Class C felony that carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison.