By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Turlock man arrested for stabbing Merced grocery worker
crime

A 19-year-old Turlock man is facing charges of attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a grocery store clerk in Merced.

The suspect was identified as Juan Guzman, 19, of Turlock. He was apprehended on Thursday during a high-risk traffic stop by the Turlock Police Department.

The stabbing happened on June 29 outside of the Food 4 Less grocery store located in the 1100 block of West Olive Avenue.

The store employee confronted Guzman outside the store, after seeing him leave with items in his hands, according to the Merced Police Department. The confrontation turned violent when they began to tussle and at some point, Guzman reportedly stabbed the employee with a sharp object.

The employee was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

With the assistance of the community and witnesses who were able to provide a description of the vehicle the attacker fled in, Merced Police Officer Taylor Rocha was able to identify the suspect as Guzman and obtain an arrest warrant.

On Thursday, a Turlock Police officer spotted Guzman in the 100 block of N. Tully Road. The officer recognized Guzman and knew he had a warrant for his arrest. Guzman got into a vehicle with another man and a woman and the officer followed behind.

A high-risk traffic stop was made in the 300 block of West Avenue North and all three were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The other man and woman were later released.

Guzman was transferred to the Merced County Jail and booked for attempted homicide.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Taylor Rocha at 209-388-7770 or by email at RochaT@CityofMerced.org.