EAST BREMERTON—A 54-year-old East Bremerton man is in critical condition after being stabbed in the neck at a residence on the 1500 block of Spruce Street July 7.

Bremerton Police arrested 23-year-old James Wesley Cotant, of Port Ludlow, in connection with the stabbing. According to police, Cotant had blood on his hands and clothing.

Multiple callers reported the incident. Responding officers found the victim holding towels to his  neck, which was bleeding profusely.

Cotant admitted to stabbing victim. He told police had been smoking marijuana at the apartment when he saw the victim and a female tenant pushing each other.

He stepped in and then the victim “cracked him” twice, according to police documents.

Cotant said he thought the victim had a “shiv,” so he pulled out his knife and tackled the victim.

Police located an 8-inch knife that appeared to be covered in blood stains in the living room of the apartment.

The victim reportedly lost a six pints of blood and underwent surgery at Harrison Hospital. He is expected to survive.

Cotant is being held at Kitsap County Jail. Police are looking to have him charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon.