Cathedral City Officer Survives Knife Attack in Violent Confrontation

On July 27, 2025, a violent confrontation occurred in Cathedral City, California, when Officer Marcus Ayala responded to a 911 call about a family disturbance at a residence on Pueblo Trail around 3:11 p.m. Juan Francisco Sosa Jr., 30, rushed out of the home with a kitchen knife and attempted to stab Ayala in the chest as the officer approached the front door. A woman and an older man emerged from the house, attempting to intervene and stop Sosa’s repeated stabbing attempts.

The knife struck Ayala’s Kevlar vest multiple times, failing to penetrate and causing only minor injuries. Cathedral City Police Commander Nathaniel Hanley and Commander Jon Enos credited the vest for preventing a potentially fatal outcome, noting the call was initially routine but escalated rapidly, highlighting the unpredictable dangers officers face. Ayala gained control of the knife, subdued Sosa, and arrested him on scene.

Sosa was booked for attempted murder of a peace officer and robbery, and he remains in custody without bail. He has pleaded not guilty, with a bail review and felony settlement conference scheduled for September 3, 2025.