A San Rafael man is facing attempted murder and felony assault charges after allegedly attacking an innocent man who was out walking his dog in a quiet residential area, a seemingly unprovoked and random assault that has shocked the local community according to a press release from the San Rafael Police Department.
On July 7, 2023, the victim was out with his dog at an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Kerner Boulevard when he was approached by 42-year-old Alexander Amaya-Rodriguez, whom the victim said he did not know. Without warning or provocation, Amaya-Rodriguez started stabbing the unsuspecting man, leaving him with three stab wounds before fleeing the scene, and leaving the victim to be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment; fortunately, he is expected to make a full recovery, as San Rafael Police detailed.
Following this random and unprovoked attack, an eyewitness who had previously had an encounter with Amaya-Rodriguez came forward with cellphone footage that captured the suspect, and when an officer recognized the man in the video as Amaya-Rodriguez, authorities canvassed the area in an attempt to locate him but to no avail. The subsequent search proved fruitless, at least temporarily, but local law enforcement officers remained vigilant and determined to locate the suspect.
Then, in an unexpected and audacious move, Amaya-Rodriguez returned to the apartment complex the next day, July 8, and began knocking on doors, potentially putting other residents and unsuspecting community members in danger, before he was spotted by a member of the public who quickly called the authorities. Within minutes, officers descended on the scene, and Amaya-Rodriguez was located and taken into custody without incident, apparently unaware that the net was closing in or just blind to the scope of his actions; upon arresting him, officers also found Amaya-Rodriguez in possession of the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing.
Back at the station, Amaya-Rodriguez was interviewed by police and admitted to the stabbing, though it remains unclear why he targeted the unsuspecting dog walker, as he had no relation or apparent connection to the victim, making this strange and unusual crime seemingly more disturbing for its random nature and lack of motive according to San Rafael Police. Officers working on the case have emphasized that this appears to have been an isolated incident and have urged anyone with additional information about the crime to contact them at (415) 485-3000, or to submit tips online at http://www.srpd.org/tips.
Meanwhile, Amaya-Rodriguez has been booked into the Marin County Jail on the serious charges of attempted murder and felony assault with a deadly weapon, with his bail set at a staggering $500,000. His next court appearance has not been immediately disclosed.
