A man sitting in a wheelchair was attacked on a busy downtown Laredo street Thursday when a suspect walked up, pulled out a knife, and pressed it to his neck. The suspect is now facing a felony charge that can mean two years to life in prison.
📍 WHAT HAPPENED
Jose Guadalupe Ibarra, 39, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the attack on Thursday, June 12.
The scene drew a crowd fast. Bystanders saw Ibarra threaten and strike the victim, who could not get away. They called police right away.
Officers searched the area and found Ibarra a few blocks from where the attack happened. When they searched him, they found a folding knife hidden in his pants. It matched what the victim and witnesses described.
Ibarra showed signs he may have been drinking. His eyes were red and officers smelled alcohol on him when they took him in.
The victim was hurt but survived. His name has not been released. He received medical care at the scene.
🔍 WHAT WE DON'T KNOW YET
The case is still under investigation. Prosecutors will look at the physical evidence, the knife, and witness accounts. What the victim says in court will also carry weight.
Under Texas law, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a serious felony. Using or showing a weapon during an attack makes the charge much heavier than a regular assault. If convicted, Ibarra faces significant prison time.
📋 WHO IS LOOKING INTO IT
The Laredo Police Department is handling the investigation.
Bystanders did not look away. They called for help, and that call led directly to Ibarra's arrest. The victim had no way to run. Witnesses stepped up.
If you saw what happened or have any information, contact the Laredo Police Department.
El Tejano will update this story as more information becomes available.
