The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department is currently searching for a Manteca man that they believe stabbed a woman on Saturday inside of her mobile home at Caswell Memorial State Park along the Stanislaus River at the end of Austin Road south of Manteca and west of Ripon.

Joseph Samuel Chavez, a Manteca resident with ties to San Jose, reportedly entered the recreational vehicle of an unnamed woman and threatened her with a knife in an attempted robbery. According to the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Department, Chavez is now wanted for attempted murder, felony assault with a weapon, burglary, and criminal threats. 

The victim was transported to an area hospital where she was treated for her injuries. She was listed in critical condition at the time news of the incident was shared with the public, but her condition was later upgraded to stable in a subsequent news release. 

In an ironic twist, authorities initially reported that it was Chavez that dropped the woman off at an area hospital after stabbing her but have released no additional information about the relationship between the victim and the suspect. 

Anybody with any information about Chavez’ whereabouts are urged to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department at 209.468.4400. If he is seen in public, authorities ask that he not be approached – he is considered armed and dangerous – and that whoever sees him call 911 immediately. 

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.