Michigan man arraigned in co-worker's farm stabbing

9/26/2007

CARLETON, Mich. - A Dearborn, Mich., man accused of stabbing a co-worker during an argument Monday while they harvested produce at a farm in Monroe County's Exeter Township has been charged with attempted murder.

Hector Cruz, 27, was arraigned yesterday in Monroe County District Court and was being held in the Monroe County jail without bond.

Mr. Cruz was charged with stabbing Javier Lopez, 52, in the abdomen about 10:45 a.m. while harvesting produce for Ruhlig Farms in a field at Scofield-Carleton and Martinsville roads, authorities said.

Mr. Lopez was flown to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, Mich. A nursing supervisor said there was no patient at the hospital by that name.

After the stabbing, Mr. Lopez returned to the farm on Sumpter Road in his vehicle to get help. The suspect fled on foot and was arrested several miles away at a gas station at Blazer and Blue Bush roads in Maybee, Mich., authorities said.