Suspect arrested in knife-assault case

An alleged knife attack east of Porterville resulted in a manÂ’s arrest Tuesday on suspicion of assault and weapons violations.

Tulare County SheriffÂ’s Department deputies were sent to the 800 block of North Reservation Road shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday to investigate a reported assault that has allegedly taken place about an hour and a half earlier.

Deputies learned that Rafael Guadalupe, 52, allegedly attacked Jose Garcia of Porterville with a knife, and threatened to kill Garcia, according to a SheriffÂ’s Department news release posted today.

GarciaÂ’s age was not released.

Guadalupe reportedly fled the scene after the alleged attack, prior to the arrival of deputies, the SheriffÂ’s Department reports: He was later apprehended during a traffic stop on North Reservation Road.

While deputies searched Guadalupe, he was reportedly found to be in possession of a knife matching the description of the weapon used in the alleged attack. He was also found to be in possession of a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition, the SheriffÂ’s Department reports.

Guadalupe was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats and allegations of weapons violations.

The case was being investigated by the SheriffÂ’s Department.

Contact The Recorder newsroom at 784-5000, Ext. 1044.