(Photo: Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images)

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- The father of R&B singer Mary J. Blige was critically injured Thursday morning on this city's south side, stabbed in the neck in what police said was a domestic dispute with his former girlfriend.

Thomas Blige, 63, remained in critical condition Thursday afternoon, Battle Creek police said. Police arrested his former girlfriend on a charge of assault with intent to murder.

Police said they were called to the Arbors of Battle Creek, an apartment complex, at 6:58 a.m. Thursday. They found Blige in his apartment with three stab wounds, including one to his neck.

He was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he underwent surgery. The hospital said Thursday afternoon it had no information on his condition.

Detective Sgt. Jim Martens said officers went to the scene and found blood in the snow near the entrance drive to the apartment complex and more blood in Blige's apartment. Police also found a knife in the apartment that they believe was used in the attack.

Martens said officers then went to the former girlfriend's nearby apartment at the Arbors and found the woman in blood-spattered clothing.

She was taken into custody without incident and treated at a Battle Creek hospital for a cut. The woman was taken to the Calhoun County jail and was expected to be arraigned Friday in Calhoun County District Court.

Martens said police believe Blige saw the woman deflating the tires on his Ford SUV in the parking lot outside the apartment and went out to confront her.

The couple argued and Blige was stabbed.

Martens said police have handled seven domestic violence complaints between Blige and his 50-year-old former girlfriend since August.