HILLSBORO, Ore.- On February 13, 2020, Judge Beth Roberts sentenced Enrique Zacarias Diaz to 90 months in prison. On February 10, 2020, Mr. Diaz pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeff Lesowski prosecuted the case against the defendant.

On June 16, 2019, the victim was walking in downtown Hillsboro, Oregon when he noticed the defendant staring at him. He kept walking but was then attacked from behind by the defendant. The defendant used a box cutter knife to slash his neck and cut his face.  

The victim was able to get away from the defendant, thanks in part to bystanders who intervened on his behalf. He then walked to a nearby hospital where he was treated for significant injuries as a result of the attack.

Hillsboro Police, with the help of TriMet Transit Police, responded to the area and began a search for the defendant. Officers spotted a man matching the suspect’s description and took him into custody after a short foot pursuit. Officers then located the box cutter in the defendant’s pocket.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of Hillsboro Police and Transit Police for apprehending the suspect so quickly. This office is also grateful to the citizens who intervened to aid the victim.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Roberts ordered Mr. Diaz to undergo five years of post-prison supervision upon his release. The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.