Lake Wales Police Make Arrest in Violent Assault

A suspect has been arrested in a stabbing attack that left a victim in critical condition, according to Lake Wales Police Department Deputy Chief David Black II.

The reportedly unprovoked attack happened on Sunday, October 24, shortly before 9:00 pm near the intersection of Miami Street and Bullard Avenue. According to reports the victim was walking when he was suddenly assaulted. He was found with serious stab wounds and flown by a Medical evacuation helicopter to Lakeland Regional Hospital in critical condition. He is now recovering from his injuries.

One witness reported seeing a man running from the area shortly after the time of the attack. Despite a police cordon around the area, a canine search, and the support of a law enforcement helicopter from Polk County Sheriff's Office, the suspect could not be located that evening.

About nine hours later, however, police received a call from the public regarding a family member who called to report suspicions about their nephew, identified as Noahmyan Nathan Rivera-Valentin, 18. When police arrived, they found the suspect with blood on his body and clothing and in possession of a bloody knife.

Rivera-Valentin was arrested at his residence at 327 Weaver Avenue and charged with Aggravated Battery. He remains in custody.