Hitchhiker charged with attempted murder after woman stabbed

FILLMORE, Utah (KSTU) -- A person of interest in a homicide case in Arizona is in custody in Millard County after allegedly stabbing a woman while he was hitchhiking.

The Millard County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the Fillmore Hospital Tuesday morning on reports of a stabbing. The victim had several stab wounds to her cheek, neck, hands and arms.

A woman and her sister reported they had picked up a hitchhiker south of Fillmore.

Officers located the suspect and he was taken into custody. He was later identified as Fernando Ray White.

A knife was found near the area the suspect was located. It was swabbed for blood and DNA by investigators.

A search of White's person yielded multiple substances that tested positive for heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana. Officers also found a 30-round 9mm magazine and six unspent 9mm rounds in his pocket.

White was arrested and transported to the Fillmore hospital for evaluation.

According to a probable cause statement, White is on probation in Arizona, where he is also a person of interest in a homicide case.

He has been charged locally with attempted murder, a first-degree felony, as well as illegal possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.