TURLOCK — A Modesto man has been arrested in connection with a violent stabbing that left a man critically injured late Saturday night, according to the Turlock Police Department.

Officers responded to the 4200 block of St. George Place at approximately 11:36 p.m. on Oct. 18 after receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting a stabbing. Upon arrival, police found an adult male inside a vehicle suffering from severe injuries to his face and upper body. Emergency personnel from Turlock Fire and American Medical Response treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

During the initial investigation, officers identified 33-year-old Cesar Romero-Bermudez of Modesto as the suspect. Authorities also discovered that one of the vehicle’s passengers was Romero-Bermudez’s former girlfriend, who is protected by an active domestic violence restraining order.

Although the suspect and victim were not personally acquainted, investigators determined the assault was domestic violence-related and not a random act.

Detectives from the department’s Special Operations Division took over the case and, with assistance from the department’s crime analyst, developed leads on Romero-Bermudez’s whereabouts. On Oct. 20, with help from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, officers located and stopped a vehicle associated with Romero-Bermudez in Modesto. He was detained without incident, transported to Turlock for questioning, and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and are seeking a second individual who may have been involved in the assault.

“This was an extremely violent and senseless attack,” said Captain Miguel Pacheco, commander of the Special Operations Division. “Our patrol officers immediately began piecing together critical information that led to the identification of the suspect, and our detectives and crime analyst worked quickly to locate and arrest him. Their dedication to this investigation reflects the professionalism and persistence that our community expects and deserves.”

Anyone with information about the case or the second suspect is urged to contact Detective Croxen at (209) 668-6542 or rcroxen@turlock.ca.us. Tips can also be submitted via the department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6780 or tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.