Man accused of slashing Uber driver's throat in Tolleson

TOLLESON, Ariz. (FOX 10) - A man is accused of slashing an Uber driver's throat, marking the second attack against a ride-share driver in the Valley this week after a pregnant Lyft driver was stabbed, killing her and her unborn child.

According to a statement released by Tolleson Police Friday, the incident happened on Wednesday. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Francisco Diaz, was riding in an Uber car as a customer from Goodyear. Diaz later produced a large knife, and began to slash and stab the male driver. Diaz then fled the car into a nearby community of Tolsun Farms. The driver later drove away, and called 911. The driver was taken to a Level 1 trauma center with extensive wounds, and is listed in stable condition.

In court documents, the incident was described to have taken place along the 9100 block of W. Christa Way in Tolleson, while Diaz was picked up at a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant located on the 13000 block of W. McDowell Road.

A woman told FOX 10 she saw the suspect at the bar before the attack.

"He kind of went around the bar, and he started showing that knife and I wasn't comfortable. Neither were my guests or employees," said Liz Glenn.

According to Tolleson Police officials, their detectives, in coordination with the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, conducted an investigation, and FBI's Violent Crime Task Force arrested Diaz at his home Thursday without incident.

Glenn says her heart dropped after seeing Diaz's mug shot on the news. She recalls his last words.

"He said, 'you don't know what I'm capable of,'" said Glenn. "He said that over and over again, to different people who were trying to get him out of the bar and away from the situation."

The attack, according to police, appears to be unprovoked, and there are no other suspects or victims involved in the investigation. In court documents, Diaz said he admitted to pulling out a knife he possessed, swinging the knife at the driver and cutting his hands, and said he felt the Uber driver was going to hurt him.

Court documents say Diaz has been charged with a count of 2nd degree attempted murder, a count of aggravated assault with serious injuries, and a count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

According to court documents, Diaz is being held on a $500,000 cash only bond, and will be placed under electronic monitoring if he is released. If Diaz is released, he will only be allowed to leave his home during hours approved by a pretrial officer.

"I don't know what to say," said Gilda Regan. The victim is the father of her son. "It's very shocking."

Regan said the victim does not want to be identified, but is in terrible pain.

"He had to have two surgeries," said Regan. "So, surgery on his neck first, and surgery on his hand second."