A Saratoga Springs, New York, woman suffered life-threatening injuries after police said a male coworker slashed her throat while she was driving him home. The woman escaped from the moving vehicle and called for help before being airlifted to a local hospital. Police identified the passenger as David Cruz Torres, 36, of Michoacán, Mexico, and said he tried to flee before officers detained him. Torres faces charges of second-degree attempted murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The incident came to light after a car crashed into Augie’s To-Go, an Italian restaurant, on Friday. Responding officers found the driver with a serious neck laceration that investigators said appeared unrelated to the crash. The case remains an allegation, and the charges will proceed through the court system.
| 1) | Police respond to restaurant crash |
| 2) | Suspect identified and detained |
| 3) | Alleged attack during ride home |
| 4) | Victim escapes and receives treatment |
| 5) | Charges and investigation |
Police respond to restaurant crash
Saratoga Springs police were called on Friday after a vehicle crashed into Augie’s To-Go. Officers found the female driver at the scene with a serious laceration to her neck. Investigators determined that the injury appeared unrelated to the collision, prompting an investigation into what happened inside the vehicle before the crash.
The crash provided the location where officers first encountered the victim, but police said the central incident involved an alleged assault during a ride through the Saratoga Springs area. The woman was treated as an emergency patient because of the severity of the injury.
Suspect identified and detained
Detectives identified the passenger as David Cruz Torres, 36, of Michoacán, Mexico. Police said Torres and the victim work together in Saratoga Springs, establishing their connection before the alleged attack.
After the vehicle stopped and the victim sought help, Torres allegedly tried to leave the area. Police officers detained him during the subsequent response. The available account does not state how far he traveled or provide additional details about the detention.
Alleged attack during ride home
According to police, Torres asked the woman for a ride home after they finished their work shift. While she was driving him, investigators said he pulled out a knife and cut her throat.
The alleged attack occurred inside the car as it was moving. Police said the resulting neck injury was not caused by the crash into the restaurant, distinguishing the alleged assault from the later collision.
Victim escapes and receives treatment
Police said the woman jumped from the vehicle while it was still moving. She was able to yell for help after escaping, allowing people nearby and responding authorities to locate her and begin the emergency response.
The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital. Authorities have not released her name or provided a public update on her condition beyond the description of the injuries.
Charges and investigation
Torres was charged with second-degree attempted murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The charges reflect police allegations that he intentionally attacked the woman with a knife and possessed the weapon during the incident.
The investigation follows the sequence from the workplace ride request to the alleged assault, the victim’s escape, the restaurant crash and Torres’s detention. Further court proceedings will determine how the allegations are evaluated. No conviction has been reported.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The alleged assault occurred during a ride home after the victim and suspect finished work. |
| 2 | The victim escaped from the moving car and called for help. |
| 3 | She was airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. |
| 4 | David Cruz Torres faces two criminal charges and remains accused, not convicted. |
Summary
Police say a Saratoga Springs man attacked a female coworker with a knife during a ride home, causing a life-threatening neck injury. The woman escaped from the moving car and received emergency medical treatment. Torres was detained after allegedly trying to flee and now faces attempted murder and weapon possession charges. The case remains subject to further investigation and court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the case?
David Cruz Torres, 36, of Michoacán, Mexico, was identified by police as the passenger and was detained after investigators said he tried to flee the area.
What charges does Torres face?
He faces charges of second-degree attempted murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
How did the victim get help?
Police said she jumped from the moving vehicle, yelled for help and was later airlifted to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
