By Gina Yarbrough
Carlsbad, CA–A man is in custody after a freeway crash escalated into a violent assault and stabbing that injured two people Sunday evening, the California Highway Patrol reports.
CHP officers and personnel from local law enforcement agencies responded to a crash at 7:07 p.m. on the Tamarack Avenue off-ramp from northbound Interstate 5.
The preliminary investigation indicates a black Chevrolet Colorado and a white Chevrolet Silverado collided on the off-ramp. After the crash, the driver of the Colorado, identified as 49-year-old Orlando Query Chavez, allegedly assaulted a 22-year-old woman and stabbed a 27-year-old man, both inside the Silverado. Chavez allegedly fled in his vehicle, according to CHP.
Emergency personnel transported both injured victims to a local hospital. Their condition is unknown.
Officers from the Oceanside Police Department later located Chavez and his vehicle and turned him over to CHP detectives. He was booked on attempted murder and assault charges.
“As California’s state police, we are committed to protecting everyone who travels our roadways,” said CHP Chief Brandon Shipwash. “Our officers, working alongside our allied agency partners, acted swiftly to apprehend the suspect. Those who commit violence on California’s freeways will be held accountable.”
Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact the CHP Border Division Major Crimes Unit at (858) 944-6300.
