A Wednesday evening stabbing resulted in the hospitalization of one man and the arrest of another who was initially detained by churchgoers.
Nicholas Bravo, 22, is charged with one count each of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence.
Shortly after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of a stabbing on the 800 block of Foster Road. Officers arrived to find a 22-year-old man with three puncture wounds to his torso. The man was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Investigators learned the victim was walking along Foster Road with his girlfriend when a man, later identified as Bravo, approached from behind. A brief foot pursuit between Bravo and the victim ensued before the victim fell to the ground. Bravo is then suspected of using a knife to stab the victim. Investigators learned that Bravo is the woman’s ex-boyfriend.
Bravo fled the immediate area and was later seen by parishioners entering the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Bravo is suspected of entering the men’s restroom at the church where, detectives believe, he tried to wash away blood evidence from either his clothes or hands.
Bravo was detained by parishioners as he tried to leave the church. A knife, with suspected blood on it, was recovered by police near where Bravo was detained.
Bravo was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he’s initially being held without bond.
Information from Las Cruces Polilce