On July 4, 2026, just before 9:00 p.m., Madera County 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 a 25-year-old man and a 56-year-old man became involved in a verbal altercation which turned physical. During the confrontation, the victim was violently stabbed.

Due to the seriousness of his abdominal injuries, the victim was airlifted to a trauma center, where he underwent emergency surgery. He is recovering and is in stable condition.

Deputies who were already working the Bass Lake holiday enforcement detail responded immediately, located the suspect nearby, and took him into custody without incident.

The suspect, identified as Juan Carlos Muniz, 56, of Coarsegold, was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail for attempted murder, in violation of California Penal Code sections 664/187(a).

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.