PHOENIX — Tempe police have arrested 39-year-old Javier Gutierrez in connection with a stabbing at an IKEA store in Tempe on Saturday morning, which left a man critically injured.
Details of the Incident
At 11:15 a.m., police responded to a stabbing call at IKEA near Priest Drive and Elliot Road. Upon arrival, officers found a man injured in the fire access area. The victim, who spoke Russian, was initially unable to provide clear information about the attack. He was transported to a hospital and remains in critical but stable condition.
Arrest of the Suspect
During the investigation, police received a tip from an employer revealing that Gutierrez and the victim were third-party contractors who worked together. The employer stated that Gutierrez admitted to the stabbing.
Authorities learned Gutierrez was heading toward California, and the Department of Public Safety was alerted. He was located and arrested near Quartzsite while driving westbound.
Charges
Gutierrez was booked into jail on multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Tampering with evidence
- Interfering with judicial proceedings
No further details have been released at this time.
