Three Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of Food Truck Vendor in Phoenix

Authorities at the scene of the tragic fatal stabbing incident involving a food truck vendor in Phoenix.

News Summary

On February 17, 2024, three men were arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of food truck vendor Heriberto Acosta in west Phoenix. Witnesses reported a violent altercation involving multiple assailants. Suspect Montel Reed faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, while authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attack and seek further information from the public.

Phoenix

Three men have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a food truck vendor in west Phoenix on February 17, 2024. The victim, Heriberto Acosta, age 41, sustained multiple stab wounds during the incident and later died at the hospital.

The Phoenix police responded to reports of a stabbing near 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street shortly after 11:30 p.m. Officers discovered Acosta while he was cleaning up his food truck for the day, and he was promptly transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Witnesses described a violent altercation involving Acosta and several men who had exited a vehicle. They reported seeing Acosta being pushed to the ground and attacked, resulting in several stab wounds. Although two witnesses attempted to intervene, they were reportedly pushed back by the suspects. Fortunately, no one else sustained serious injuries during the event.

Days after the incident, law enforcement received an anonymous tip pointing to Montel Ujean Reed as a key suspect. According to the caller, Reed stabbed Acosta after being summoned to the scene by his brother, who alleged he was being assaulted. The caller also noted that Reed displayed signs of excitement regarding the stabbing and had gone missing in the days that followed.

Investigators found a knife at the scene, consistent with Reed’s claim that he had broken the blade while attacking Acosta. Additionally, the getaway vehicle was identified as a red Chevrolet Impala with red rims, registered to Reed’s brother. DNA evidence from the brother was found on Acosta’s hands, as well as on the knife itself, providing a crucial link in the investigation.

The authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with this case: 33-year-old Cameron Patterson, 32-year-old Montel Reed, and 36-year-old Cyrus Reed. Montel Reed faces multiple serious charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. As the investigation unfolds, police have not yet disclosed a motive for the stabbing and are still assessing whether Reed’s brother will face any charges related to this incident.

This tragic event has raised concerns within the local community, particularly regarding safety in public spaces, such as food trucks, which are a popular dining option in Phoenix. The circumstances surrounding Acosta’s death present a disturbing reminder of violence that can erupt unexpectedly.

As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking additional information from the public. Anyone who may have further insights into the situation or witnessed the incident is encouraged to reach out to law enforcement. With the ongoing investigation, updates regarding any additional arrests or charges are anticipated.

The case underscores the ongoing issue of violence in urban settings and the need for efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.