Police said the incident began sometime after 2 a.m. at K's China restaurant at 1325 Broadway.

Witnesses told police that an altercation took place between two customers and restaurant employees told everyone to leave.

A short time later, Jason Chilson was walking with two friends when a man jumped on Chilson's back and cut his throat. Bouncers from a nearby bar intervened and stopped the fight, but the assailant ran away.

Witnesses at K's China identified the assailant as Jeffrey Carter Neering, 27, and said he was a regular at the restaurant, according to investigators.

Police said they began a search for Neering and later found him in an apartment out of which he had moved some time ago. Neering had broken into the apartment and spent the night there, police said.

Neering also faces a charge of criminal trespass, in connection with the apartment break-in.

Neering was identified by the victim and the witnesses involved in this case, police said. He is in custody at the Boulder County Jail, and his bond was set at $250,000.

The condition of the man whose throat was cut was not released.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Ruth Christopher at 303-441-1850. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or 800-444-3776.