Homeless woman with 12 outstanding warrants stabs security guard, police say

Police officers arrested a woman accused of stabbing a security guard Wednesday evening.

Maritza L. Rodriguez, 26, believed to be homeless, is charged with a third-degree felony count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, police said.

Police were dispatched to the report of a stabbing in the parking lot of the old Pro’s Ranch Market off El Paseo Road at about 7:30 pm Wednesday, July 12th.

Officers arrived to find a private security guard suffering from a stab wound to his back. Police said the victim was transported to Mountainview Regional Medical Center with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators learned the security guard was on routine patrol at the shopping center when he was approached by Rodriguez.

The woman asked if she could sit in his vehicle for a moment to escape the heat and the guard gave her permission, police said.

When Rodriguez stated she was hungry and asked for money, the guard reportedly gave her a couple dollars.

Police Rodriguez asked for more money, and the guard refused, she became upset.

The woman allegedly pulled out a knife and tried to stab the guard, who blocked her initial attempt. As the guard tried to exit the vehicle, he was stabbed once in the back.

A Las Cruces police officer arrived at the scene and took Rodriguez into custody.

The woman was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where she is initially being held without bond.

Police said Rodriguez had 12 outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court.