MIAMI – A Miami man accused of stabbing two victims during separate altercations in Little Havana back in August has been arrested, police confirmed Thursday.
The incidents occurred in the early hours of Aug. 10, 2024.
Miami police said officers were first dispatched around 5:30 a.m. to the intersection of Northwest 19th Avenue and Northwest First Street, where they found a man with multiple stab wounds.
Officers said they located the first victim near the southeast corner of the intersection, lying in a pool of blood. Miami Fire Rescue transported him to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s trauma unit in critical condition, according to an arrest report obtained by Local 10 News.
Police said the victim suffered severe injuries, including lacerations to his face, throat, and the back of his head, requiring intubation and extensive sutures from his jawline to his mouth.
The victim later told detectives that he had been stopped at the intersection when a man, identified as 46-year-old Pedro Engel Rivas-Sanchez, driving a lifted Toyota Tundra, attempted to pass his vehicle but struck it, according to police.
Moments later, authorities said Rivas-Sanchez then exited his truck and approached the victim’s car, pulled out a pocket knife and began slashing the victim through the driver’s side window while yelling, “I’m going to kill you.”
Police said the victim managed to escape through the passenger side door but was pursued and stabbed again before fleeing and calling for help.
Shortly after, around 6 a.m., officers were dispatched to Garis Maria Restaurant, located at Northwest 19th Avenue and Northwest Third Street, for a second stabbing call.
According to police, the second victim, a man, sustained stab wounds to his right cheek and shoulder following an argument with Rivas-Sanchez earlier that morning.
The victim initially left the restaurant but returned hours later, the report stated.
As the victim approached the restaurant from his parked truck, Rivas-Sanchez allegedly attacked him from behind, stabbing him twice before fleeing the scene, police said.
Miami Fire Rescue transported the victim to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where authorities confirmed that he was treated for his injuries.
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from nearby residences and businesses, which helped identify Rivas-Sanchez’s vehicle as a lifted Toyota Tundra with distinctive accessory attachments.
Both victims provided sworn statements to police in early January, reiterating their accounts and positively identifying Rivas-Sanchez in photographic lineups as the attacker.
Arrest and Charges
On Jan. 22, investigators said the MPD’s Felony Apprehension Team arrested Rivas-Sanchez outside his residence.
During an interview at the Violent Crimes Unit office, authorities said Rivas-Sanchez waived his rights and agreed to speak without an attorney. They also confirmed that he made a confession that was redacted in the publicly released report.
Detectives confirmed that they presented evidence, including surveillance footage, linking him to both stabbings.
Jail records show Rivas-Sanchez is facing charges that include second-degree attempted murder and armed burglary with assault or battery using a deadly weapon. He is being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
In a news release, Miami police commended the community for providing tips that aided in the investigation and said they were “pleased” that both cases have come to a resolution.