Modesto man arrested in October stabbing in Ceres that left victim critical
Detectives have arrested a Modesto man in connection with an October stabbing in Ceres that left a 34-year-old victim hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.
Ceres police have arrested 31-year-old Patricio Sandoval of Modesto for attempted homicide.
The stabbing was reported around 10:50 p.m. Oct. 2 near the intersection of East Whitmore Avenue and Mitchell Road. Officers responded to multiple 911 calls and found the victim suffering from several puncture wounds just south of the intersection, according to the Ceres Police Department.
Officers provided first aid until American Medical Response personnel and Modesto Fire Department crews arrived. The man was taken to a local hospital in critical condition but has since been released and is recovering at home, police said.
An investigation led detectives to treat the case as an attempted homicide. Investigators later determined the stabbing began near Family Pizza at 2921 E. Whitmore Avenue.
Detectives identified Sandoval as the suspect. Police obtained an arrest warrant for Sandoval as well as a search warrant for his home in the 1700 block of Poland Road in Modesto.
On Nov. 13, Ceres investigators, assisted by the department’s SWAT team and the State Parole Office, served both warrants at the Poland Road address. Sandoval was taken into custody without incident and booked on charges related to attempted murder.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Welsh at 209-538-5616.
This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 3:41 PM.
