A Central Florida man was arrested for punching a victim in the face and then stabbing him repeatedly at a gas station.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested the man for Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting an Officer with Violence.
According to law enforcement, 51-year-old Dale Jabonero was at the Rally Gas Station located at 3400 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater, smoking a cigarette, when 44-year-old Enrique Lopez asked for a cigarette. Jabonero and Lopez conversed prior to Lopez walking away to speak to another patron at the gas station.
Shortly after, Lopez returned and punched Jabonero in the face unprovoked. Jabonero attempted to walk away but Lopez followed him and continued to punch him until he fell to the ground. Once Jabonero was on the ground, Lopez stabbed him repeatedly.
When deputies arrived, Lopez retreated inside of the gas station where deputies ultimately took him into custody.
Jabonero was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Lopez was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting an Officer with Violence. He was transported to the hospital where he was medically cleared and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation continues, according to local law enforcement.
