OAKLAND — A man suspected of ambushing and repeatedly stabbing a 14-year-old girl on her way to school Tuesday morning has been charged with attempted murder and other felony counts, according to authorities and court records.
Police said the suspect did not know the girl before the attack, which left her with several stab wounds to the face and other parts of her body.
The suspect, Vincent Bates, 26, of Oakland, is also charged with assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse and enhancements including use of a deadly weapon and great bodily injury.
Police have not been able to interview Bates to try and find out why he targeted the girl.
The girl, an Oakland resident whose name has not been released, was attacked without warning about 8:49 a.m.Tuesday in the 400 block of 29th Street, about a quarter block from the Street Academy, an alternative school where she is a student.
Bates was lying in wait, hiding behind some trees before he attacked her, according to court records. Bates grabbed the girl and began stabbing her at least five times with a 10-inch kitchen knife before the terrified and bloodied girl was able to escape.
The girl suffered severe wounds to her face and a lung was punctured, authorities said.
Bates, who lives not far from where the attack happened, ran away but was followed by witnesses to the 3000 block of Summit Street, and pointed out to police.
When Bates was confronted he pulled four knives from his pockets, became combative and tried to attack the officers, according to court documents. He had to be tasered before officers could arrest him.
After a medical evaluation Bates was taken to Santa Rita Jail where according to court documents, he assaulted two deputies who required medical attention, and tried to escape. He faces additional criminal charges in those assaults.
Bates is being held without bail.
