Suspect wanted in California stabbing of elderly Filipino nabbed in Texas
SAN DIEGO, California – Police in Texas arrested the suspect in the vicious Nov. 3 stabbing of a 71-year-old Filipino man at an El Cajon trolley stop.
Israel Ezekiel Valdivia, 24, was arrested Tuesday, Nov. 23 in a central Texas town after police say he stole a vehicle and led them on a high-speed chase.
Winters Police Department officers said Valdivia allegedly stole the vehicle from a 7-Eleven store in Abilene, about 40 miles north of Winters, Texas. A police pursuit ended in his arrest.
After arresting Valdivia, police found out he was wanted for the attempted murder of Serra.
Valdivia was identified El Cajon police through a surveillance video after he allegedly targeted Jose Serra in the “random and unprovoked stabbing.”
Serra was severely slashed across his face and nearly lost his ear in the attack.
Valdivia is currently jailed at the Runnels County Court House in Texas. Arrangements are being made to extradite him to California.
A GoFundMe campaign to help Serra get back on his feet was launched by one of his coworkers in the wake of the attack. Click or tap here to donate to the fundraiser.
RELATED STORY
Suspect identified in vicious stabbing of elderly Filipino in California
Filipino senior survives horrific knife attack near San Diego
Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox? Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNING