Fresno police identify suspect accused of stabbing 3 during Blackstone-Nees protest

Fresno police Thursday identified a man charged in the stabbing of three people during a Fresno protest organized to support Armenians fighting in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Jaime Fonseca, 41, was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon after police said he stabbed three men during the confrontation at Blackstone and Nees avenues Wednesday night.

Capt. Mindy Casto said there was no indication that Fonseca acted with the intent of committing a hate crime and that investigators had interviewed about 30 witnesses in preparation for submitting evidence to the Fresno County District Attorney.

Rather, officers believe Fonseca acted out of anger because protesters were blocking the busy intersection with a large banner and vehicles.

Fonseca was also booked on charges of possessing a dirk or dagger as well as a sap, both felonies under the California Penal Code.

Fonseca pulled up to the blocked intersection about 6:40 p.m. and approached protesters while wielding a wooden baton and a knife. Casto said he began slashing the banner, and protesters interceded. That’s when the three were injured. Two of the victims were taken to a hospital, but later released.

Fonseca then got back in his car and fled. Police were able to track him to his home through photos and videos provided by protesters.

Casto said it is always dangerous for protests to take place in the street, and urged those exercising their First Amendment rights to stay on sidewalks. In addition, she said police are ready to provide a presence at protests to ensure safety.

This story was originally published October 29, 2020 at 9:46 AM.