A Whatcom County man was taken to the hospital after his ex-girlfriend stabbed him in the back for refusing to give her money Sunday afternoon, July 8, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office.

Mercila S. Owens, 41, asked the man for money while he was at work in the 100 block of East Axton Road. She started breaking things in the shop and chasing the man after he refused to give her any, said Sgt. Larry Flynn.

At one point the man felt the woman punch him in the back and he turned to see her holding a bloody knife, Flynn said.

The man, bleeding from the shoulder, was able to get out of the shop and flag down a motorist, who helped call police.

Owens was later booked into Whatcom County Jail for investigation of domestic violence assault and malicious mischief.

Samantha Wohlfeil can be reached at samantha.wohlfeil@bellinghamherald.com or 360-756-2883.