Walsenburg man charged in stabbing

by Eric Mullens
WALSENBURG — A Walsenburg man was arrested Sunday and charged in connection with a stabbing incident at Sarti’s Bar.
According to Walsenburg Police Chief James Chamberlain, Claude Martinez, 67, has been charged with criminal attempt to commit second degree murder, a class three felony. The Huerfano County Jail Roster indicates Martinez is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
The victim in the case, Danny Olivas, 50, also of Walsenburg, was transported to Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center for treatment of at least two stab wounds and was subsequently taken to St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo for further medical aid.
Chamberlain said the incident began at Rosa’s Cantina earlier in the evening and Olivas, aware of a restraining order between him and Martinez, left the business and walked to Sarti’s. Allegedly Martinez followed him there and stabbed him. “When Sgt. Hibsphman arrived at about 7:30 pm, he observed a number of people outside of the bar separating the two men,” Chamberlain said. He said Hibpshman noted Olivas was bleeding from a stab wound under his left armpit and another on his lower right back. A witness brought the knife to the investigating officers. It was described as white and silver with a four-inch blade.
Martinez was taken into custody without incident, and remained in the Huerfano County Jail as of Tuesday, May 29.