A stabbing event in January that left a man with his intestines hanging out has taken a twist after the suspect, a convicted felon on federal probation, is held by the feds. Robert Barroca, aged 59, known for his lengthy rap sheet that includes attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, was arrested after Alameda County prosecutors declined to charge him for the violent attack.
According to a Facebook post by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, the incident happened at Meek Estate Park when Barroca pointed a flashlight in the face of a 52-year-old victim and subsequently stabbed him as he attempted to walk away. The victim survived after emergency surgery, but Barroca was on the lam for months before a park ranger recognized him at the same park.
The case seemed to stall when the local DA's office decided against bringing charges, despite Barroca's arrest by deputies who found him with items including a ski mask and gloves. However, his status as a federal probationer for drug-related crimes caught up with him. His federal probation officer was notified of the stabbing by authorities, leading to a federal probation violation warrant.
On May 30, the U.S. Marshals moved in and captured Barroca, now facing the music on a federal level. At his residence, they found additional evidence, leading to further charges. In a statement, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude toward numerous agencies, including HARD, the U.S. Probation Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service, for their roles in apprehending the suspect and potentially preventing more violence on the streets of Alameda County.
