Arrest made in stabbing of elderly man

A man in his 80s remained hospitalized this week after being stabbed in the face and neck in Palo Alto on July 31, police said.

Officers were dispatched to the area of Lytton Avenue and Seneca Street about 7:05 p.m. for a report of a man down with a head wound, said Palo Alto police Sgt. Craig Lee in a news release Wednesday. They arrived to find the victim conscious but bleeding from major injuries to his face and neck, including several stab wounds.

Lee said a witness reported seeing a teenager running from the scene. At the same time, two women showed up and told officers they were looking for a teenage relative — he had just called them, saying he needed a ride and sharing his GPS location.

An initial investigation, which included a review of surveillance footage from homes near the scene, led to the identification of the suspect as 18-year-old East Palo Alto resident Andrew McMenomy-Cortez, the same person the women were looking for, Lee said.

Lee said it appeared that the victim was walking on the sidewalk when the suspect approached him and struck up a conversation. The suspect and victim then walked together for a time before the alleged assault occurred.

Robbery is not suspected as a motive because the victim was not missing any property, Lee said.

McMenomy-Cortez was arrested at his home on Garden Street and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.

Anyone with information about the alleged assault can contact the Palo Alto Police Department at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-3838984 or email paloalto@ tipnow.org.