A series of violent incidents in downtown Ventura last Saturday led to the arrest and charging of Efrain Troncoso. The 22-year-old transient faces 10 felony counts. Riding a bicycle, Troncoso allegedly stabbed a man in the back and, in separate assaults, another man in the neck, struck a third victim with a metal object, and robbed a fourth at knifepoint of their keys. KTLA reports that three counts of attempted murder and additional charges including assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, attempted robbery, felony vandalism, and attempted vehicle theft are among the charges.
Authorities had arrested Troncoso on charges from an incident on Nov. 7 before the stabbings, which included the counts of reckless fire, possession of a controlled substance, and violent resisting of a peace officer. According to the district attorney's office, the official statement, special allegations with the recent felonies also cite Troncoso for the infliction of great bodily injury, indicating the severe nature of the attacks.
Troncoso was meant to be arraigned this past Tuesday, however, the proceedings were delayed. "No plea was entered, and criminal proceedings were put on hold to determine competency," the District Attorney's release indicated.
Now, the charged man is awaiting a mental competency hearing set for December 19 at 9 a.m. in Ventura County Superior Court. Currently, Troncoso is being held without bail at the Ventura County Main Jail, KTLA noted.
