Photo courtesy of Chris Flentye, Redding Design Photography
On Friday, May 2, 2014, at approximately 12:12 AM, Redding Police officers responded to the Sundial Bridge regarding a reported stabbing incident.
When officers arrived, they spoke with the victim, Dennis Womack, 20 years, of Corning, CA.
Womack was suffering from a stab wound to his right bicep. Womack told officers he was stabbed near the north end of the Sundial Bridge.
Further investigation revealed Womack and several of his friends were congregated under the north end of the Sundial Bridge when they were approached by a transient subject. The transient, later identified as Michael Destin Ruonavaara, 33 years, became aggressive and began brandishing a large knife he had tethered to his wrist. Womack attempted to disarm Ruonavaara at which time he was stabbed.
After speaking with Womack and witnesses, a search for Ruonavaara was conducted by officers with the aid of K-9 Carr. Ruonavaara was located by K-9 Carr in the wooded area approximately 100 yards north of the Sundial Bridge. Ruonavaara was not bitten by K-9 Carr.
Ruonavaara, who is on AB-109 parole, was arrested and booked at the Shasta County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon.
From Redding Police Department press release
