Santa Cruz Man Arrested for Attempted Murder Following Pacific Avenue Stabbings
SANTA CRUZ, CA — On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to reports of an assault involving a weapon at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street. Upon arriving at the scene at approximately 12:15 p.m., officers located two individuals with injuries that were determined to be consistent with a stabbing. The Santa Cruz Fire Department provided medical aid at the location before the two individuals were transported to local hospitals by emergency medical personnel for further treatment.
According to department records associated with case number 26S-01434, one victim has since been discharged from the hospital, while the second individual remains under medical care. During the initial response, officers identified and detained a suspect at the scene. The individual, identified as 32-year-old Robert David Worel of Santa Cruz, was taken into custody without further incident.
Following the investigation at the scene, Worel was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. He faces charges of attempted murder under California Penal Code sections 664/187.
Worel has a documented history with local authorities. Public records reveal multiple arrests in recent years, including charges for trespassing, vandalism, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. Additionally, he has previously been cited for exhibiting a deadly weapon.
