Yuma Stabbing Victim Speaks Out

A man who was stabbed severely in the hand by a stranger shared his story with News 11.

“Yeah, I’m in pain right now,” said victim Pharaoh Vega, gesturing to his left hand where he received the stab wounds. “He was a stranger I didn’t know him. He is a total stranger to me; I didn’t know him. I didn’t know who he was.”

Vega said it all began while he was waiting for his friend that was inside a local bar using the restroom.

“I was over on this side on the phone and then that’s when we spotted each other. When he saw me I looked at him. He started heading my way, but you know I kind of tried to avoid him because he looked like he was already on one. So, I turned this way and I’m on the phone. That’s when he came at me and was like let me ask you a question. What are you doing here? Why are you on the phone with the cops? Why are you calling the cops on me?”

Vega said that’s when he felt the swing of the blade.

“I started to feel something warm trickle down my elbow. So, when I looked at it I saw I was drenched in blood. That’s when it hit me and I can see it on his face it hit him too. He was scared of what he did.”

Vega was rushed to Yuma Regional Medical Center. Joel Jimenez was hauled off to jail. Jimenez is accused of two separate counts including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct. The court setting a bond at $15,000.

“You know what my mom taught me, regardless of what people do to you; you know what I’m saying you just got to pray for them and accept things you cant change.”

Even though this happened near the Maverick Bar the owner said neither the suspect or victim had been inside drinking when the apparent random attack happened.