A parolee wanted for allegedly stabbing and robbing a man remains at large after a high-speed chase with authorities Wednesday night.

Osvaldo Hernandez, a 35-year-old Santa Maria resident, is a documented gang member on parole for assault with a deadly weapon, violation of a criminal street gang act, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Last night, he managed to elude authorities after allegedly stabbing a man the night before. His suspected accomplice, 29-year-old Cherie Rodriguez, was caught and arrested.

Osvaldo Hernandez
Cherie Rodriguez

Just after midnight on November 6, a Nipomo resident stumbled into the lobby of the Chumash Casino with multiple stab wounds. According to a statement put out by the county Sheriff’s Office, the man had been stabbed several times while inside a vehicle on the Indian Reservation. The suspects stole the victim’s cellphone and wallet, then left him on the roadway before driving off. The victim was transported by paramedics to an area hospital with serious injuries.

An investigation determined that the suspects were located in Santa Maria. At 5:45 p.m. last night, their vehicle, which had been reported stolen, was spotted driving northbound on Highway 101. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused. A high-speed pursuit ensued, reaching speeds above 100 miles an hour.

The chase went on and off Highway 101 both northbound and southbound until they crossed into San Louis Obispo County. S.L.O. County Sheriff’s Deputies came to assist in the chase, but it was called off suddenly due to public-safety concerns when the suspects exited 4th Avenue in Grover Beach and crashed into a parked car.

The suspects then abandoned their vehicle and ran off on foot, at which point Rodriguez, the female suspect, was caught and arrested. Law enforcement searched for Hernandez for several hours, but he was not found.

Rodriguez was charged with robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. She was booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail and is being held on $150,000 bail.

Any information regarding Hernandez’s whereabouts or crimes should be reported to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Detectives Bureau in Santa Maria at (805) 934-6170. To leave an anonymous tip, call (805) 681-4171.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.