One victim was stabbed following a “road rage” incident

ATASCADERO — A Templeton man, Gary Wayne Benites (67), was arrested on Monday, Nov. 7, for an assault with a deadly weapon.

The Atascadero Police Department and Atascadero Emergency Services responded to the incident Monday evening at 6:35 p.m. at the intersection of El Camino Real and Morro Road. 

Officers and medical personnel arrived on the scene to treat a stabbing victim. Authorities then learned two subjects had been involved in a “road rage” incident. 

According to APD, both parties exited their vehicles at the intersection of El Camino Real and Morro Road. During an altercation, a male victim was stabbed once in the upper chest area. 

While the suspect had fled the area, the victim was able to take a photo of the suspect vehicle with the license plate. Officers were able to share the information with local law enforecement agencies and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputies were able to locate the vehicle in Paso Robles near the intersection of South River Road and Niblick Road. 

The suspect, Benites, was ultimately placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and transported and booked at county jail. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and in stable condition.