Man is arrested for attempted murder during fireworks show

Tens of thousands had their heads lifted to the sky at Bass Lake awaiting the fireworks launch on Independence Day when the program was halted following a near-deadly incident.

Soon, all eyes were on one of the day use areas where one man was stabbed and airlifted and another was arrested. On July 4, just before 9 p.m., sheriff’s deputies assigned to the Bass Lake holiday enforcement detail responded to the Pine Slope Day Use Area at Bass Lake following a reported stabbing.

The preliminary investigation determined that two men were involved in a verbal altercation which turned physical, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

During the confrontation the victim, whom authorities did not identify, was violently stabbed.

Due to the seriousness of his abdominal injuries the victim was airlifted to a trauma center where he underwent emergency surgery. Authorities said he was recovering as of Sunday and in stable condition.

MCSO deputies already working the holiday enforcement detail responded immediately and located the suspect nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect was identified as Coarsegold resident Juan Carlos Muniz, 56.

Muniz was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail for attempted murder in violation of California Penal Code sections 664/187(a).

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has cell phone video or other recordings related to the altercation to contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.

Anonymous tips may be made through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867) or by texting “Tip MaderaSO” followed by your message to 888777.

Tips may also be made on the Madera County Sheriff’s Mobile App: MaderaSheriffApp.com.