Yuma man charged in unprovoked knife attack

A felony complaint was filed Tuesday in Yuma Justice Court against the 22-year-old man arrested last week in an unprovoked knife attack of an elderly victim.

Camilo Zantoyo, who also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest, was charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder in the Feb. 25 stabbing of 74-year-old Jose Ramirez-Pichardo.

In addition to a appointing a public defender to represent Zantoyo, the judge ordered Zantoyo's bond remain at $1 million, which was set at a previous hearing.

Zantoyo's next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for April 16 at 4 p.m.

According to court records, Zantoyo had been drinking throughout the day of Feb. 25. Before he left his residence, he decided to take a knife with him.

While he was out walking along 8th Street, he spotted the elderly victim riding his bike and allegedly stabbed him in the chest.

Ramirez-Pichardo, who rides his bike along the street every day going to various businesses, suffered a life-threatening wound that required significant medical intervention. He was treated at Yuma Regional Medical Center and was later released, but is still recovering from his wounds.

The investigation by Yuma police indicated it was an unprovoked attack.

Zantoyo was arrested at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday when Yuma police served a search warrant at his home in regard to the stabbing. He later admitted to the stabbing and was booked into the Yuma County jail on the attempted murder charge and for a misdemeanor warrant.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.