A minor crash in Mesa spiraled into a brutal assault, authorities say, when a woman who pulled into a parking lot to exchange information was allegedly stabbed 19 times, leaving her with a collapsed lung, a broken tooth and severe facial disfigurement. The man accused in the attack, 30-year-old Joseph Sellers, was arrested days later in Las Vegas and has denied the allegations. Sellers appeared in a Maricopa County courtroom where a judge set a cash bond and scheduled further proceedings.
According to ABC15, the crash happened around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 along Broadway Road west of Greenfield Road. The woman pulled into a nearby parking lot so the drivers could exchange information. Police say that while she remained in her vehicle, Sellers walked up and suddenly began stabbing her, then grabbed her phone and fled the scene. Detectives later identified Sellers as the suspect and tracked him to Las Vegas, where he was taken into custody, the outlet reports.
Court hearing and bond
During Sellers’ first court appearance in Maricopa County, prosecutors told the judge he has prior out-of-state felony convictions and described him as an extreme danger to the community and a flight risk. The state asked for a $1,000,000 cash-only bond. The judge instead set bond at $750,000 cash and ordered Sellers held while the case moves forward, according to coverage from the hearing.
"I believe my bonds should be lowered because I didn't stab anybody," Sellers told the court, a statement that did not persuade the judge to cut the amount further, according to the same reporting.
Investigation and reported injuries
Prosecutors said the victim suffered 19 stab wounds and required hospital treatment for a collapsed lung along with other serious injuries. Authorities also reported that she sustained a broken tooth and severe disfigurement to her face. Investigators allege Sellers took the woman’s phone before running from the parking lot and that evidence collected by detectives led to his arrest in Nevada. Sellers has pleaded not guilty, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case while Mesa Police continue their investigation.
What comes next
The case remains active in Maricopa County Superior Court, where additional hearings and filings are expected as prosecutors review medical reports and other investigative evidence. Court records and public dockets will list upcoming dates and any additional charges that may be formally filed beyond what has been described so far. Mesa Police, who are handling the criminal investigation, are asking anyone with information about the Feb. 20 incident to contact the department.
