Murrieta Driver Stabbed In Face During Road Rage Confrontation

MURRIETA, CA — A 27-year-old man suspected of stabbing another motorist in the face following a freeway confrontation in Murrieta was out of custody Friday.

Joel Viramontes of Murrieta was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center Wednesday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Viramontes posted a $25,000 bond and was released from the Murrieta jail Thursday.

According to the Murrieta Police Department, around noon Wednesday, the suspect was involved in a dispute on Interstate 215 that led to the victim, identified only as a Murrieta man, and Viramontes exiting the freeway and stopping in a parking lot in the 28000 block of Scott Road.

"The suspect then attacked the victim with a knife, causing injuries to the victim's face that required medical attention," Lt. Brendan Carney said.

He said the man immediately called 911, providing a description of the car in which his attacker fled, as well as a partial license plate number.

A Riverside County Sheriff's Department helicopter crew spotted the vehicle minutes later on Clinton Keith Road and directed Murrieta police patrol officers on where to find it, culminating in Viramontes' arrest without incident, according to Carney.

The victim was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment of his non-life-threatening stab wound and was recovering Friday.

Carney alleged Viramontes confessed to the stabbing.

"This incident underscores the importance of remaining calm in traffic situations and reporting dangerous behaviors to law enforcement," the lieutenant said.

Background information on Viramontes was unavailable.

—City News Service