Construction Worker Stabbed in Cincinnati Among Other Incidents Nationwide

Cincinnati, OH (WorkersCompensation.com) – Police in Cincinnati have arrested a man they said stabbed a construction worker in November.

According to video of the attack from a nearby house, the suspect in the attack approached a home construction site with a knife in his hand. The unknown man then appears to stab a construction worker at the scene, then ran off when another person who saw the attack came to the worker’s defense.

The video also shows that the suspect returned to the construction site briefly to retrieve something before running off again.

The construction worker was hospitalized with critical injuries, police said. The attack appears to be unprovoked, officials said.

Police arrested 31-year-old Michael Bowlin in Logan County, about 113 miles northwest of Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Police had released a picture of Bowlin, and identified him by the tattoo of a person on a horse holding a rifle on his left forearm.

According to court records, Bowlin was arrested just one day after the stabbing attack in Madison County, Kentucky for criminal trespassing. Records indicate that he was released from custody on the following Sunday. At the time, Cincinnati police had not yet released his name or photograph. Bowlin was apprehended in Logan County, Ohio on Dec. 7, police said.

Police in Florida have arrested another man suspected of stabbing a construction worker.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released a video of police shooting the suspect after the stabbing.

According to reports, Benjamin Kubi, 39, pulled out a knife when police approached him during a traffic stop. Police said they attempted to use a taser, but it was ineffective and the officers shot him.

Police said the construction worker was waiving cars past a work zone near I-295 when police said a driver stabbed the worker. The construction worker was reported to be OK, but suffering a stab wound to his bicep.

As Kubi fled, offices approached him. Video shows they shouted at him to lower his hands as he walked toward them. With a knife in his hand, Kubi began to run toward an officer, who fled from Kubi. One of the responding officers shot Kubi.

Kubi was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. He is charged with attempted murder, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.

In other attacks, a man in California was arrested in connection with the stabbing of a Whole Foods employee after attempting to steal his car.

Officials in Laguna Niguel, Cal., said the incident happened Dec. 4 after 10 p.m. Authorities said the victim was walking to his car after work when 22-year-old Andrew Joseph Alejandre tried to steal his car. The worker and Alejandre got into a fight, and Alejandre allegedly stabbed the worker, who has not been identified, in the arm. Whole Foods said the employee was expected to survive.

Officials said Alejandre fled the scene but was found a few days later. He was found in the middle of the sidewalk in Laguna Hills, on Friday.

"While conducting a welfare check, deputies recognized Andrew displayed behavior consistent with being under the influence," the sheriff's department said in a statement posted on Instagram. He was arrested and booked for public intoxication and possession of paraphernalia.

The sheriff’s department said after Alejandre was arrested, detectives interrogated him.

"Investigators quickly followed up on their information and were able to successfully identify and charge Andrew with CPC 664 215 - Attempted carjacking and CPC 245(a)(1) - Assault with a deadly weapon,” officials said.

And in Islip, N.Y., a man has been indicted for attempted murder of his co-worker.

Officials with the Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Paul Albinagorta, 34, was charged with attempted murder in the second degree for allegedly attacking his co-worker, Sal Polizzi from behind.

Officials said on Nov. 24 Polizzi was working at Gino’s Pizza when Albinagorta stabbed him multiple times in the side with a hunting knife. Polizzi fled the shop with several other employees as Albinagorta chased them, threatening further violence.

Polizzi was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Police said Albinagorta had purchased the knife at a Walmart the night before the attack. He was arrested at the scene with the knife and its sheath.

Employees from Gino’s posted their condolences on the company’s Facebook page.

"Our hearts are with Sal Polizzi and his family during this difficult time. Wishing you strength, love, and a speedy recovery. You’ve got an entire community cheering you on. 💙" the post read.

Albinagorta’s bail was set at $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2.5 million partially secured bond. He remains in custody and is due back in court on Jan. 7.

“This defendant allegedly committed a shocking act of workplace violence, attacking an unsuspecting worker from behind during a routine moment of food preparation,” District Attorney Raymond Tierney said. “My office will work diligently to ensure that the victim and public are protected from further violence.”

Share This Article: