Olympia man accused in stabbing held on $100,000 bail

An Olympia man was charged with first-degree assault today after he was accused of stabbing and severely injuring another man.

James L. Louis Jr., 44, was arrested Monday for the alleged offense, which occurred Nov. 8. He’s being held in the Thurston County Jail.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Louis used a knife to stab a 33-year-old man, because he was upset at comments the victim was making. Louis, who was interviewed by police prior to his arrest, said the victim was making “anti-American” comments. The alleged assault occurred in the woods off the 600 block of Deschutes Parkway Southwest.   

The victim told police Louis initially started punching him in the back. He said he didn’t realize he had been stabbed until the assault was over. There were no other witnesses to the assault.

The victim was transported to St. Peter’s Hospital, where doctors found the knife had hit both kidneys and the liver. The victim required surgery. The victim picked Louis out of a photo lineup.

Olympia Police officers found Louis on Monday. He was taken to the police station, where he told police the victim was standing outside a tent Louis was staying in, making “anti-American” comments, which upset Louis. Louis told police he then stabbed the victim in the back, according to court documents. He added that he discarded the knife near a bus stop on Fourth Avenue, but police couldn’t find it at that spot.

Louis is being held on $100,000 bail.