A Cuban man was arrested in Louisville, Kentucky, following an incident where he injured two individuals, a woman and a man, in the St. Denis neighborhood. Identified by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) as Ernesto Ortiz Díaz, 53, the arrest report states that he was involved in a crime where he chased a woman on Lynnview Drive last Thursday, August 29, around ten in the morning.
According to WHAS 11, the local newspaper that reported the incident, the motives behind the attack are still "unknown." The outlet notes that due to the pursuit, the woman fell into a stranger's yard, at which point her attacker took the opportunity to "stab, hit, and cut" her with a knife.
This act was witnessed by a man who was on his porch across the street. He went inside, grabbed his nunchakus, and ran outside to try to stop Díaz. After a series of blows, the suspect turned around and "went after him," causing the man to fall backward, at which point Díaz jumped on him and stabbed him just above the heart.
Two other people witnessed the attack and intervened. One applied a chokehold on Díaz, while the other managed to take the knife away. The LMPD arrested Díaz shortly after and set his bail at $100,000. He appeared in court for his arraignment on August 31.
As of writing this report, the condition of the victims was unknown.
Last month, also in Kentucky, a Cuban doctor died after being shot by LMPD officers in front of his family. The victim was identified as Yoel Nápoles Ravelo, 32, by his family, who witnessed his final moments. The man was armed with a knife when he was shot by officers, according to multiple local media reports.
In August, a 32-year-old Cuban woman named Indira Almaguer was stabbed to death in Louisville by her ex-partner, Marcelino Fonseca, also Cuban. That same month, another Cuban woman was shot dead on Liverpool Lane, Kentucky, by her partner, who then committed suicide. The woman, identified as Yailyn Casales, lived in a small apartment in the Bon Air neighborhood with her young son.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recent Violent Incidents in Louisville
Below are some common questions and answers regarding the recent violent incidents involving Cuban nationals in Louisville, Kentucky.
Who was Ernesto Ortiz Díaz?
Ernesto Ortiz Díaz is a 53-year-old Cuban man arrested by the Louisville Metro Police Department for stabbing two people in the St. Denis neighborhood.
What led to the stabbing incident on Lynnview Drive?
The motives behind the attack are still unknown. The incident involved Díaz chasing a woman, who fell into a stranger's yard, where she was subsequently attacked.
What was the community's response to the attack?
Several community members intervened. One man used nunchakus to try to stop Díaz, while two others managed to subdue him and take away his knife.
What is the current status of the victims?
As of the latest reports, the conditions of the victims remain unknown.