Man suffers ‘near fatal’ stab wound

Man accused in stabbing, attempted arson

JANESVILLE, Wis. — A man suffered multiple stab wounds, one described as “near fatal,” in a disturbance at a Janesville home, according to a release from Janesville police.

Officers were called to 1602 N. Pontiac Dr. at 10:01 p.m. Sunday for a report of a fight at the home. Police said that when they arrived, they found two men had been involved in a fight and that Michael J. Clark, 28, had been stabbed several times. He was taken to Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center for treatment.

The other man, Clayton J. Courtney, 28, attempted to flee but was caught by police after a short foot pursuit, officers said. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of an ankle injury.

A 32-year-old woman and two children were home at the time of the incident. The children were sleeping during the incident and none of the three were injured.

Police said Courtney had attempted to set the woman’s car on fire before the fight started. The car was parked in an attached garage.

Courtney was arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree reckless homicide, attempted arson, criminal damage and disorderly conduct. All charges are filed as domestic violence-related.