Las Cruces Police arrested a woman suspected of stabbing a private security guard Wednesday evening.
Maritza L. Rodriguez, 26, who is said to be homeless, is charged with a third-degree felony count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
At about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, police were dispatched to the report of a stabbing in the parking lot of the old Pro’s Ranch Market off El Paseo Road. Officers arrived to find a private security guard suffering from a stab wound to his back.
The victim was transported to Mountainview Regional Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators learned the security guard was on routine patrol at the shopping center when he was approached by Rodriguez who asked if she could sit in his vehicle for a moment to escape the heat. The guard allowed the women to sit in the passenger seat of his vehicle. The woman then stated she was hungry and asked for money. Investigators learned the guard gave her a couple dollars, but she asked for more and became upset when he refused.
Investigators learned the women then pulled out a knife and tried to stab the guard who was in the driver’s seat. The guard blocked her initial attempt and tried to exit the vehicle when he was stabbed once in the back.
A passing Codes Enforcement officer arrived on scene followed quickly by a Las Cruces Police officer who took Rodriguez into custody.
Rodriguez was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where she is initially being held without bond. It was also learned that Rodriguez had 12 outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court.
Information from Las Cruces Police