TULARE, Calif. — A heated argument over property escalated into a violent stabbing in Tulare on Thursday evening, leaving one man hospitalized and another in custody. According to Tulare Police Department officials, officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the 500 block of East San Joaquin Avenue at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered a 64-year-old man suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim, whose name has not been released at this time, was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and transported to a local hospital. Authorities have confirmed that he remains in stable condition and is expected to recover.
Police quickly identified 47-year-old Pedro Gonzalez Becerra as the suspect in the attack. According to investigators, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between Becerra and the victim, reportedly stemming from a disagreement over property. The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in Becerra allegedly producing a knife and stabbing the older man multiple times.
Officers detained Becerra at the scene without incident. He was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and attempted homicide.
Detectives continue to investigate the incident and are working to gather further details regarding the relationship between the two men and the events that led up to the violent confrontation. Authorities have not released information on the specific nature of the property dispute or whether either party resided at or owned the property where the altercation took place.
In a statement released Friday morning, the Tulare Police Department urged residents to resolve conflicts peacefully and to report escalating disputes before they turn violent. “We encourage anyone involved in personal disputes or ongoing disagreements to seek mediation or contact authorities before situations become dangerous,” the department said.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the Tulare Police Department at (559) 684-4290.
As the victim recovers and the investigation continues, the Tulare community is reminded of the often-unpredictable consequences of interpersonal conflicts and the importance of de-escalation and early intervention.