News release from the Newport PD. On July 31, 2015 at about 5:30 p.m., Newport Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a male subject attempting to stab a female with a knife, and yelling he was going to kill her. Officers quickly arrived on scene and were advised by persons involved that the suspect had fled on foot. The suspect was identified as Anthony Francisco Garcia, age 27 of Newport. The two victims involved, a 42 year-old female and a 31 year-old female, stated Garcia had been at their apartment and was asked to leave. Garcia refused. When the 31 year-old female stepped outside, Garcia, locked himself inside with the 42 year-old victim. Garcia then threatened the victim by telling her not to say anything or he would “tape her mouth shut.” The 31 year-old female returned to the apartment and said Garcia was standing in the doorway with a black folding knife. Garcia made two stabbing motions at the younger female victim, striking her hand with his, and barely missing her with the knife. A 60 year-old male from a neighboring apartment had heard the commotion and one of the two victims saying, “He’s got a knife.” The neighbor ran downstairs and yelled at Garcia to leave. The neighbor grabbed Garcia and shoved him out the door. Garcia fled on foot. Newport Police Officers searched a nearby area behind homes and apartments, and detained Garcia. During a search of Garcia’s backpack left behind, a black folding knife was found and positively identified by the victims. Garcia stated he had just stopped to “re-pack” his belongings; he denied any other involvement. Garcia was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on charges of Attempted Assault II; Menacing; Unlawful Use of a Weapon; Reckless Endangering; Harassment; and Burglary I. His bail was set at $490,000. Anyone with information about this event is encouraged to contact Officer Brad Purdom at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856.
