LCPD: Anthony man tried to set hotel on fire, stabbed man nearby

Las Cruces Police arrested an Anthony man accused of starting a fire at a hotel and barging into an apartment and stabbing a victim.

Frank A. Lopez, 45, was charged with attempted murder, arson and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Las Cruces Fire and Police were dispatched Friday to the report of a structure fire at the Woodsprings Suites located on 2080 S. Triviz Drive. Police released surveillance video they said showed Lopez intentionally set two fires outside rooms on the first and second floors of the hotel.

According to police, about an hour later, Lopez went to a nearby apartment on the 2300 block of Enzie Drive and forced himself in and made threatening comments to a male and female couple inside the apartment.

Lopez allegedly was armed with a knife and then attacked a male victim. The two allegedly wrestled on the floor before the female grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Lopez on his back. That prompted Lopez to flee the apartment, police say.

The male victim was transported to the hospital with multiple stab wounds. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police located Lopez under a bush about 75 yards away from the apartment. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was released Monday and was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

The couple told police they did not know Lopez.