A 46-year-old Millcreek man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly slashing another man’s neck during a confrontation stemming from a methamphetamine transaction dispute that escalated over several weeks.
Joaquin Alvaro Sanchez, known as “Chewy,” was taken into custody Monday and booked into Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of attempted aggravated murder, aggravated assault, being a restricted person in possession of a weapon, and drug possession.
Incident Began With Late-Night Hospital Report
Unified Police Department officers initiated their investigation around 3 a.m. on November 24 after receiving notification of a stabbing victim at Intermountain Medical Center. The victim provided detailed information about the attack that led investigators to identify Alvaro as the suspect.
According to the police booking affidavit, the victim explained he was inside an apartment located near 4150 South and 300 East when Alvaro entered the room armed with both a handgun and a knife. The suspect positioned himself behind the victim before slashing the left side of his neck with the blade.
Medical personnel treated a laceration measuring approximately five inches in length that required extensive medical intervention. Doctors used seven internal sutures and 21 external stitches to close the wound, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Dispute Originated From Failed Drug Transaction
The violent confrontation represented the culmination of tensions that began weeks earlier on November 7. Court documents reveal that Alvaro provided the victim with methamphetamine in exchange for silver jewelry, silver coins, and a promise of additional cash payment to be delivered later.
However, the victim subsequently decided against involvement in drug distribution. He attempted to either dispose of the methamphetamine or return it to Alvaro, according to investigators. This decision triggered the series of events that ultimately resulted in the stabbing.
On November 22, two days before the attack, the victim received a voicemail from Alvaro that police characterized as threatening. In the message, Alvaro allegedly stated the situation was “about principle” and warned he would target the victim and his family members.
Attack Occurred at Third-Party Residence
Early morning hours on November 24 brought the dispute to its violent conclusion. The victim had gone to a woman’s residence when Alvaro emerged from another room within the apartment. After making a threatening statement, Alvaro committed the knife attack before fleeing the scene, according to charging documents.
The victim managed to reach Intermountain Medical Center for treatment despite his injuries. His cooperation with law enforcement provided investigators with crucial details that enabled them to identify and locate the suspect.
Suspect Located and Arrested Days Later
Unified Police successfully located Alvaro on Monday, more than two weeks after the stabbing incident. Officers took him into custody without incident and transported him to Salt Lake County Jail.
The charges Alvaro faces carry severe potential penalties under Utah law. Attempted aggravated murder represents a first-degree felony, while aggravated assault typically constitutes a second or third-degree felony depending on circumstances. His status as a restricted person in possession of weapons adds additional legal complications.
The restricted person designation indicates Alvaro has previous criminal history that legally prohibits him from possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons. Utah law restricts weapon possession for individuals with certain felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or active protective orders.
Investigation Highlights Drug-Related Violence
This case exemplifies the dangerous escalation patterns that can emerge from drug transactions and disputes over payment or distribution. What began as a disagreement over methamphetamine and payment terms ultimately resulted in a life-threatening assault.
Law enforcement officials regularly emphasize how drug-related disputes frequently escalate to violence when participants lack legal recourse to resolve disagreements. The criminal nature of the underlying transaction creates an environment where conflicts may be settled through intimidation or physical force rather than traditional dispute resolution methods.
The November 22 voicemail message demonstrates how threats often precede violent actions in drug-related cases. Alvaro’s statement that the situation was “about principle” suggests he viewed the victim’s refusal to complete the transaction as a personal affront requiring retaliation.
The involvement of the victim’s family in the threats adds another concerning dimension. Drug-related violence frequently extends beyond the immediate participants to include family members, creating broader community safety concerns.
Legal Proceedings Move Forward
Alvaro remains in Salt Lake County Jail custody pending formal charging decisions by prosecutors. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will review the investigation and determine final charges to file.
Prosecutors must evaluate evidence including witness statements, medical records documenting the victim’s injuries, forensic analysis of the crime scene, and any physical evidence recovered during the investigation. The voicemail message threatening the victim may serve as particularly compelling evidence of premeditation.
Defense attorneys will likely examine whether the victim’s initial involvement in the drug transaction affects his credibility as a witness. However, prosecutors can argue that regardless of the underlying dispute’s nature, the violent response exceeded any conceivable justification.
If convicted on all charges, Alvaro could face decades in prison. Utah’s sentencing guidelines impose substantial penalties for violent felonies, particularly those involving weapons and causing serious bodily injury.
The case proceeds through the criminal justice system as the victim recovers from physical injuries while potentially dealing with psychological trauma from the attack and ongoing safety concerns related to the threats against his family.
