Arrested in Stabbing Incident at IKEA Parking Lot

TEMPE, Ariz. — A stabbing incident at IKEA resulted in an arrest following a response from the Tempe Police Department on Saturday morning. Officers arrived at the scene located near I-10 and Warner Road after receiving reports of the attack around 11:15 a.m.

The victim, a contractor, ran to the parking lot for help after the assault. Initially, communication with him posed a challenge due to a language barrier, as he spoke Russian. Police later confirmed he had been attacked by another contractor working on site.

Law enforcement found the victim in a restricted fire access area. He was subsequently transported to the hospital, where his condition stabilized. According to IKEA, the altercation involved contractors not directly employed by the store.

“Two employees of a third-party contractor were involved in the incident. No customers or IKEA staff were harmed,” IKEA stated. The company is cooperating with ongoing police investigations.

As the investigation unfolded, officers received a call from the employer of both the victim and suspect. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Francisco Javier Gutierrez, had reportedly confessed to the stabbing. Fearing he might flee to California, law enforcement contacted the Arizona Department of Public Safety for assistance in locating him.

DPS successfully apprehended Gutierrez in Quartzsite, leading to his arrest. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, with police appealing for more information from witnesses.

Further updates are expected as authorities continue to gather details. For the latest developments regarding this case, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official news resources.