A slow-walking man who allegedly stabbed a motorist after he yelled at the pedestrian to hurry up remains free on $15,000 bond after pleading not guilty to assault with a deadly weapon.
Mark M. Asaad, 24, of Ventura, faces a preliminary hearing in San Diego Superior Court on May 15. The incident took place at 1:48 a.m. on March 11 in the 1000 block of Garnet Street when motorist Justin Murphy was stopped at a traffic light. Asaad reportedly kicked the victim’s car in reaction to the motorist’s suggestion he hurry up. Murphy got out of his car and the two argued.
According to police, the two fought and it continued into an alley. San Diego Police said Asaad produced a knife and stabbed Murphy five times in the torso. Murphy’s left lung collapsed from his wounds, and he was initially hospitalized in intensive care. Murphy is recovering from the incident and is out of the hospital.
As a condition of bond, Asaad was ordered to have no contact with the victim. He was in jail for nine days until he posted $15,000 bond on March 20. The assault charge carries an allegation that Murphy suffered great bodily injury. If convicted of assault and the allegation, Asaad faces a maximum term of seven years in state prison. Asaad has retained an attorney who could not be reached for comment.