Police confirmed yesterday they were not alerted to the assault until the 27-year-old Queenstown resident arrived at Lakes District Hospital in a serious condition with stab wounds in his chest.
A St John spokesman told the Otago Daily Times it was not called to the incident.
Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis, of Queenstown, said the victim underwent surgery yesterday in Dunedin Hospital and remained in a ''serious but stable'' condition.
The incident on Lochnagar Dr, a sleepy suburban street in the suburb of Lake Hayes Estate, occurred about 9.30pm.
A resident spoken to by the ODT was completely unaware of the incident, and said she did not see or hear anything unusual on Sunday night.
''That's a bit scary. I hope the person's going to be all right.''
Although she was shocked by the news, she said her family had become more conscious of locking their cars after some recent break-ins and thefts.
Another woman said she had not heard about the incident, and was surprised because the street was quiet and its residents were friendly.
A third resident said he had just read about the assault online, and was taken aback because he had not heard any shouting or sirens.
Det Snr Sgt Inglis said up to three people may have been involved or present during the assault.
A weapon had not been found, but the investigation was making progress with the help of members of the public.
''We're still interested in information from anyone in that area in relation to vehicles seen coming into or leaving the street between about 9.30pm and 10pm.
''There may have been up to three people in a vehicle that was seen in the area.''
Asked if there were any gang links to the assault, he said police did not think so ''at this stage''.
''But it's of grave concern to us when there's any sort of stabbing or serious violent crime like this in Queenstown.''
