BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) – An Essex man narrowly escaped death after a stabbing early Sunday in downtown Burlington, and the man police said was responsible turned himself in on Monday.

Enreko J. Tyler, 31, of Burlington, will face a charge of attempted murder, police said.

Police Lt. Tim Charland said Tyler, also known as Reko, has served as a disc jockey at several local bars.

Police declined to release the stabbing victim’s name but said he is 30.

The incident happened at about 3:30 a.m. near the intersection of St. Paul and Main streets. Tyler and the other man had an altercation during an alcohol-free “after-hours party” at a city restaurant and bar, Charland said. Both men were told to leave, and the fight continued outside, police said.

During the fight, police allege, Tyler stabbed the other man three to five times in the chest and upper torso. Emergency crews rushed the man to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, where he underwent surgery. He was in serious but stable condition Sunday night, Charland said.

“This was a close one,” Charland said. “He had lost a large amount of blood. At the time of the incident, he was in very critical condition.”

Police said they searched two Burlington residences and seized physical evidence and marijuana. Charland asked that anyone with information about the case call police at 658- 2700 or Champlain Valley Crime Stoppers at 864-6666.

AP-ES-07-26-04 1209EDT