Police make arrest in connection to stabbing at Tempe IKEA

PHOENIX — Tempe police have arrested a man in connection with a stabbing at a Tempe IKEA store on Saturday that left one man injured, authorities said.

At around 11:15 a.m., police responded to a stabbing call at the IKEA near Priest Drive and Elliot Road. Upon arrival, police found a man inside the fire access area with injuries. Police noted that the man spoke Russian and information was initially unclear.

The man was taken to a hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition.

More details on Tempe IKEA stabbing

During the investigation, police received a call from an employer and it was discovered the man and 39-year-old Javier Gutierrez were third-party contractors who worked together. The employer told police that Gutierrez admitted to the stabbing.

Authorities said information was given that Gutierrez was possibly headed in the direction of California. The Department of Public Safety was alerted and found Gutierrez heading westbound near Quartzsite where he was arrested.

Gutierrez was booked into jail on multiple charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence and interfering with judicial proceedings.

Related

Man shot in head in Tempe trying to drive himself to hospital crashes into vehiclesArizona Department of Public Safety introduces its 1st crisis response canine2 teens arrested after ‘Senior Assassins’ game causes disturbance at Queen Creek drive-thruWalmart announces $250K grant to boost workforce development opportunities in ArizonaAG Kris Mayes sues landlords for leaving Tucson tenants without air conditioningDriver dies after colliding with Valley Metro bus in south Phoenix while fleeing separate crash