Stabbing Suspect Arrested by Street Crimes Unit

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 9:34 pm, Turlock Police, Turlock Fire, and American Medical Response responded to an aggravated assault that had just occurred at Verizon Wireless in the 3200 block of W Monte Vista Ave.

The caller reported a transient man had just stabbed another man in a vehicle, before fleeing the scene on a bicycle.

Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, a 40-year-old man of Turlock, who had a stab wound to his abdomen. Officers rendered aid until being relieved by medical personnel. The victim was transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Through the investigation, officers learned that prior to the aggravated assault, the victim and suspect had been involved in a verbal disturbance. Surveillance video was obtained, and the area was canvassed, but officers were unable to locate the suspect.

Detective Higareda took over the case and, through the investigation, identified Michael Freitas, 45, of Turlock, as the suspect.

On Wednesday, August 13, Investigator De La Cruz was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit and was conducting a stakeout in the 2400 block of N Golden State Blvd. Investigator De La Cruz located Freitas riding a bike and arrested him.

Freitas was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist is encouraged to call Detective Higareda at 209-668-6550.