Ankeny Man Sentenced for Stabbing Former Girlfriend

An Ankeny man was sentenced to 50 years in prison Wednesday for stabbing his former girlfriend while their three young children were at home.

Michael Stewart was sentenced in a Polk County courtroom Wednesday morning on charges of attempted murder, third-degree sexual abuse, willful injury and going armed with intent, according to KCCI.com.

Ankeny police said , who stabbed her multiple times, including once in the neck, in October of 2011. The incident occurred while their three children — ages 7, 4 and 3 — were home. The couple's oldest daughter ran to a neighbor's home after the attack and asked the neighbor to call 911, authorities said.

Ague was heard pleading for Stewart to “drop the knife” when he emerged from a room in the house and fled, Ankeny police said. The couple's 3-year-old stayed with his mother while waiting for help, reports KCCI.com.

Stewart was arrested after police spotted his vehicle in the 5600 block of Northeast 14th Street. Officers were headed to Ague's home after they received a call of a woman who was stabbed.

When Stewart’s vehicle was stopped by police, he reportedly got out and charged the Ankeny police officer and Polk County deputy who stopped him. Stewart was subdued with the use of an electronic control weapon, according to police.

Ague talked to KCCI's Laura Nichols after the sentencing.

"I lay down on the living room floor because I was getting dizzy and faint and couldn't walk, and Tony stayed with me and talked to me until the officers arrived," Ague told KCCI.

"Your 3-year-old stayed and talked to you?" asked Nichols.

"Yes, he did," said Ague.