TL/DR –
A man named Ivan Munoz-Ortiz is in custody after allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend multiple times in the neck outside a car wash in Tempe, Arizona. The victim, found by police in the parking lot, reported her injuries included a cut trachea and punctured artery; she was then rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and remains in the ICU. Munoz-Ortiz fled the scene but was later arrested at a relative’s home in San Tan Valley; he faces charges including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Man Arrested After Stabbing Ex-girlfriend in Tempe
Ivan Munoz-Ortiz, 35, is in police custody following the brutal stabbing of his former girlfriend at a car wash in Tempe, Arizona on Sunday.
Tempe police and fire crews arrived at a Cobblestone Auto Spa near I-10 and Elliot Road around 2 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a woman in the parking lot bleeding from multiple neck wounds. She informed the officers about her ex-boyfriend’s attack.
According to court records, she told police Munoz-Ortiz had stabbed her six times in her car. The woman’s trachea was cut, her airway was compromised, and a small artery was punctured. She is currently in the ICU after undergoing emergency surgery.
Attack Captured on Surveillance Video
Surveillance footage showed the woman being attacked by the passenger in her Kia Rio. Witnesses initially thought the man was punching her but soon realized he was stabbing her with a knife. The woman was subsequently thrown from the car before the suspect fled the scene.
The incident prompted a region-wide alert for the woman’s vehicle. Later, Gilbert police reported the car was involved in a hit-and-run. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing to Relative’s House
At 10:45 p.m., a San Tan Valley woman called 911 to report Munoz-Ortiz, her brother-in-law, had arrived at her home. Munoz-Ortiz attempted to evade arrest but was eventually taken into custody after a struggle with Tempe police officers.
Following his arrest, Munoz-Ortiz was treated at a hospital before being taken to Tempe City Jail. He reportedly appeared confused during the police interview and denied any argument with the victim.
Records indicate that Munoz-Ortiz has a history of resisting officers, substance abuse, and mental instability. He now faces charges, including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
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