Police: Two women hospitalized after fight involving stolen kitchen knife at Lakewood Wal-Mart

LAKEWOOD, Wash -- Two women are being treated for knife wounds following an early morning scuffle at the Lakewood Wal-Mart.

According to Lakewood Police, the women are acquaintances with a "mutual dislike" for one another.

The altercation unfolded after they spotted each other while shopping around 4 a.m. Saturday.

After an initial argument, and a small tussle inside the store, the women were separated and one of them left.

That is when, investigators say, the other woman shoplifted a kitchen knife from the store.

A short time later, the argument reignited in the parking lot and the suspect used the knife to attack the other woman, according to authorities.

The victim suffered an arterial laceration to the neck, which required surgery, and remains hospitalized.

Police said the suspect mistakenly cut herself several times during the incident and was also taken to the hospital.

The investigation is ongoing; no word yet on what charges may be filed.

Neither party has been identified.