Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested In San Mateo

SAN MATEO, CA — A Peninsula man was arrested Sunday night in connection with a stabbing attack that left the victim with multiple wounds, San Mateo police said.

Jose Cortez Rodriguez, 51 of San Mateo, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said. Rodriguez was later booked into the San Mateo County Jail.

Officers at around 10:29 p.m. Sunday responded to the 400 block of South Norfolk Street on the report of a fight, police said.

Arriving officers found a male victim who was bleeding profusely from his left arm as Cortez Rodriguez stood nearby holding a utility knife, according to police.

Rodriguez complied with orders from officers to move away from the victim and threw the knife to the ground, police said.

The victim had had an approximately six-inch laceration on his left arm and two minor cuts on the back of his head, police said.

“Because of the massive amount of blood pouring from the victim’s wound, officers applied a tourniquet,” police said in a news release.

The victim was transported to a local trauma center for medical care, police said.

Officers determined that the victim and Cortez Rodriguez had drinking together earlier in the evening when according to the victim, Cortez Rodriguez suddenly attacked him, police said.

“The victim said that while the two fought, Cortez Rodriguez brandished a knife and threatened to cut the victim’s throat,” police said.

“The victim raised his arms towards his head to protect his neck and Cortez Rodriguez cut the victim’s left arm.”

The victim ran to a nearby store and asked an employee to call authorities, police said.