Good Samaritan nearly has finger cut off after intervening in assault

A 25-year-old man had a rude welcome to Lethbridge, Alta., getting punched in the face and nearly losing a finger after trying to help a woman who was being assaulted.

The man was unfamiliar with the southern Alberta city, police said in a release issued Wednesday. Hewas wandering down an alley searching for an address last Friday when he saw another man strike the woman.

The Good Samaritan yelled at the assailant to stop but was punched in the face.

The assailant then pulled a knifeand cut the Good Samaritan's hand, almost removing his finger.

The Good Samaritan was transported to Chinook Regional Hospital and was later released. He'll require surgery, police say.

Police identified a suspect on surveillance video and made an arrest.

Cody Levi Long Time Squirrel, 23,is charged with aggravated assault, possession of break-in tools and three counts of breach of a recognizance.

He is currently in custody awaiting a pre-trial release hearing.