McDonald's Murder Suspect in Midway District in Custody; Search Continues for Getaway Driver, Say San Diego Police
San Diego, CA — A suspect believed to be responsible for the fatal stabbing of a 44-year-old man in the Midway District last month has been apprehended in Los Angeles County, the San Diego Police Department reported.
The victim, identified as Joshua Goodman, tragically met his end on August 30 when he rode his bicycle into the McDonald's restaurant in the 3800 block of Midway Drive, near Sports Arena Boulevard, around 11:25 a.m. Responding to a 911 call, Western Division patrol officers discovered Goodman in the parking lot, suffering from at least one stab wound.
On Thursday, authorities revealed that their investigation led to the identification of the suspect, 31-year-old Armando Parras, who was subsequently issued an arrest warrant. Officers from the West Covina Police Department located Parras at a motel in the 2700 block of East Garvey Avenue South on September 17 and took him into custody. He was later extradited to San Diego and booked into jail.
San Diego police Lt. Judson Campbell disclosed that investigators believe Parras and Goodman were acquainted before the fatal incident took place.
On the day of the attack, officers and bystanders provided aid to Goodman until paramedics arrived and transported him to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Campbell stated, "During the preliminary investigation, officers learned the victim rode his bicycle into the parking lot of a business in the Midway District. At some point, the suspect arrived at the location in a light-colored minivan. The suspect exited the vehicle and immediately began to chase the victim in circles in the parking lot."
Throughout the pursuit, the suspect repeatedly stabbed the victim with what appeared to be a knife. Campbell added, "Detectives have determined the minivan was driven by a second person, now believed to be an unknown female, who drove through the lot with the sliding door open."
After the attack, the suspect fled and entered the van, which was last seen heading westbound on Midway Drive. The entire incident unfolded in less than 30 seconds.
Campbell reported on Thursday that officers had located the minivan during their investigation.
Parras now faces a first-degree murder charge and is being held without bail. His court appearance is scheduled for September 25.
Authorities are still working to identify the driver of the getaway vehicle. Anyone with information regarding the stabbing is urged to contact the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.