West Columbia Man Charged in Stabbing

The West Columbia Police Department has charged a local man with attempted murder after a weekend stabbing incident.

According to Chief Dennis Tyndall, Tommy Dewayne Cook, age 35, of 2106 Holland Street, West Columbia, became involved in a verbal altercation with a female at a restaurant in the Vista on Saturday morning.  

Cook then allegedly physically assaulted the woman by punching her in the eye, Tyndall said. A friend drove the woman home and the suspect followed in another vehicle. When they arrived at the residence, which the alleged suspect and victim both share, the female victim’s son, Dustin Lee Stewart, 20, saw his mother’s injury and refused to allow Cook into the residence.  

Cook then broke a window to gain access and went after Stewart with a knife, allegedly stabbing him in the abdomen, Tyndall said. Stewart was transported to Palmetto Richland Hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. His condition was not immediately available. 

West Columbia Police set up a perimeter and were able to capture Cook who had escaped into nearby woods, Tyndall said. He is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center under a $75,000 bond.