Man Suspected of Attempted Murder Found in Gilroy Motel

A 35-year-old man suspected of stabbing another man through an open car window was arrested Saturday in a Gilroy motel, according to Santa Cruz police.

On Oct. 23, Raul Rodriguez, of Santa Cruz, is believed to have approached a man backing out of a driveway on Bixby Street, stabbing him multiple times in his hands and chest, according to police.

The victim, who told police he did not know the suspect, was taken to a hospital in serious condition. He continues to recover from his injuries.

Rodriguez, who was on the Santa Cruz police most wanted list for domestic violence and parole violations, allegedly made gang-related statements during the attack, police said. Rodriguez is a known Norteno gang member, although it it's not clear whether he had any gang connections in Gilroy.

Investigators reportedly found Rodriguez's fingerprint at the crime scene, and traced him to a Gilroy motel located on the 6000 block of Monterey Rd. where he was arrested without incident at 6:45 a.m.

The arrest was made by a county-based agency, the Santa Cruz County Anti Crime Team, so information regarding the hotel Rodriguez was arrested at wasn't available, according to Zach Friend of the Santa Cruz PD. 

Rodriguez was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail for attempted murder with gang enhancements, police said.

--Bay City News, Inc.