Man who allegedly stabbed Fresno car dealership employee almost killed a woman in 2019

The man who Fresno Police believe to be responsible for stabbing an employee inside the Fresno Lithia Ford Dealership this week was arrested three years ago for nearly killing another person also with a knife.

Manuel Bracker, 36, was identified by Fresno Police as the suspect who stabbed a Lithia Ford Dealership employee. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Bracker for attempted murder.

In March 2019, Bracker also repeatedly stabbed a 63-year-old homeless woman because he believed that she was a cannibal, former Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said then.

Lt. Bill Dooley confirmed Friday morning that Bracker was arrested for the stabbing in 2019 and again this week.

Bracker was sentenced to two years at Wasco State Prison following the 2019 stabbing after pleading no contest to assault with a deadly weapon other than a gun, according to online court records.

He was still in custody until at least Sept. 15, 2021, records say.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office is organizing a news conference next week, according to spokesperson Taylor Long.

In a news release sent Friday afternoon, the DA’s office confirmed it would go after Bracker for attempted murder of the Lithia Dealership employee as well as for:

• One enhancement of great bodily injury
• One enhancement of use of a deadly weapon
• One count of assault with a deadly weapon

Bracker’s arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Monday in front of the Honorable William Terrence at the Fresno County Superior Court (Department 20).

The DA’s office also said that Bracker has one prior ‘strike’ conviction for assault with a deadly weapon from 2020.

If convicted of all charges and allegations, Bracker faces life in prison.

In Bracker’s alleged attack against the Lithia employee, Fresno Police said he walked inside the car dealership on Wednesday morning then repeatedly stabbed a 56-year-old man.

That victim was rushed to Fresno Community Regional Medical Center and was listed in stable but critical condition.

Bracker, who police said is homeless, initially fled the scene toward Highway 41 and down an embankment near Barstow Avenue, but was eventually detained by police after he surrendered.

Police determined there was not a previous connection between Bracker and the Lithia Ford victim.

In Bracker’s 2019 attack, his victim bled out from her neck on the floor of a Fresno grocery store but managed to survive.

This story was originally published October 28, 2022 at 2:12 PM.