TEMPE, AZ – A 35-year-old man, Ivan Munoz-Ortiz, was taken into custody on Sunday after allegedly stabbing his former girlfriend multiple times in the neck at a local car wash. The incident, which took place in broad daylight, has left the victim in critical condition and the community in shock.
The violent encounter took place at a Cobblestone Auto Spa near Interstate 10 and Elliot Road. According to the police, the victim was found in the parking lot, severely injured and struggling to breathe due to a cut trachea and a punctured artery. She was immediately rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and is currently on a ventilator in the ICU.
The victim reportedly identified Munoz-Ortiz as her attacker before being transported to the hospital. Surveillance footage from the scene corroborates her account, showing the suspect attacking her in her car before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle. Witnesses at the scene initially thought the man was punching the woman, but upon closer inspection, they realized he was stabbing her with a large knife.
The victim’s car, a Kia Rio, was later involved in a hit-and-run incident. Gilbert police discovered the abandoned vehicle and alerted Tempe authorities. Later that evening, a woman in San Tan Valley reported that Munoz-Ortiz, her brother-in-law, had arrived at her home. When police arrived, Munoz-Ortiz attempted to flee but was eventually apprehended after a struggle.
Munoz-Ortiz was taken to a hospital for a check-up before being transported to Tempe City Jail. During his interview with detectives, he appeared confused and unresponsive to some questions. He denied having an argument with the victim and refused to answer further questions.
Court documents reveal that Munoz-Ortiz has a history of resisting arrest, struggles with drug addiction, and is described as mentally unstable. He is currently facing a charge of attempted second-degree murder, as well as a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.