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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - A Fort Smith woman has been stabbed by a masked intruder in her home. The 58-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital in Edmonton, before returning home late last week.

According to Fort Smith RCMP, the stabbing took place at about 4 a.m. on Feb. 14 in a Field Street house, where the woman lived alone.

The accused has been identified as Paul Michael Egotak, an 18-year-old resident of Fort Smith. Egotak has been charged with breaking, entering and committing aggravated assault; wearing a mask with the intent to commit an indictable offence; and carrying a knife for the purpose of committing an offence.

There are indications that alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

Sgt. Grant Payne, of the Fort Smith RCMP, would not provide information on how many times the victim was stabbed and in what locations on the body. Nor would Payne say what kind of mask the intruder was wearing.

"We haven't determined what the motive was yet," said Payne "It's all part of the investigation."

The accused is in custody at the North Slave Correctional Centre in Yellowknife until Feb. 24 when he will appear in Fort Smith Territorial Court.

Mayor Peter Martselos said the community is shocked and in disbelief over the Feb. 14 attack.

"It was devastating for all the citizens of Fort Smith," he said.

"No one in their right mind would do something like that unless under the influence of some kind of substance."