On Sunday, May 17, 2015, at approximately 2:00 am, Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies were dispatched to the 12000 block of Samples Road, Salem area, for a stabbing.  Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, James Swayze, in the kitchen of the dwelling, bleeding from his abdomen.  Deputies performed first aid on Mr. Swayze in order to control the bleeding.  The deputy reported that the victim had wounds to his chest and was having difficulty breathing.  

The victim was conscious and able to make statements to the deputy.  According to Mr. Swayze, an argument ensued between him and Mr. Kenneth Weaver inside of the residence.  The argument escalated to a physical altercation, which led to Mr. Swayze being stabbed several times in the torso and one time in the thigh.  A similar account was received from a witness who was present during the altercation.

The victim was transported by Medtran Unit 53 to Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.  Mr. Swayze was found to be suffering from a collapsed lung and required immediate surgery.  He is currently in stable condition and expected to survive.  

The suspect, Kenneth Weaver, fled the scene.  The crime scene was secured and processed for evidence by members of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID). 

A description of the suspect was dispatched to all SCSO units.  A short time later, deputies observed a subject matching the description of Weaver in the area of Samples Road near Denny Drive.  The subject was positively identified as Kenneth Weaver and placed under arrest.

Weaver was transported to the Saline County Jail and charged with First Degree Battery.  He was released the following day on a $10,000 Signature Bond.

Sheriff Rodney Wright praised the first responding deputies for providing direct pressure to the victim’s wounds, which controlled the loss of blood and possibly saved the life of James Swayze.  Sheriff Wright also credited the deputies and CID detectives for working together closely and making this felony arrest within hours of the incident occurring.