Woman stabbed at Merced gas station; deputies make arrest

A 29-year-old woman was stabbed multiple times in a gas station parking lot on Highway 140 in Merced on Sunday evening, and a suspect was arrested, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.

Deputies were sent to the gas station in the 3900 block of Highway 140 at about 5:30 p.m. for a report of a stabbing. They found the woman with multiple stab wounds, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies identified the suspect as Mina Villarreal, 45, of Merced. The Sheriff’s Office says the two had a physical altercation in the parking lot, and that Villarreal pulled out a knife and stabbed the woman multiple times.

Villarreal was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

Deputies also arrested Isaac Diaz, 47, on suspicion of violating a domestic violence restraining order. The office said deputies identified Diaz during the investigation but didn’t say how Diaz is connected to the stabbing.

What’s still unknown

The Sheriff’s Office post gives only the deputies’ account, with no response from Villarreal or Diaz. It doesn’t say:

• How badly the woman was hurt or how she is doing now
• What led to the fight, or whether the two knew each other
• Who the restraining order protects
• Whether prosecutors have filed charges

An arrest doesn’t mean a person committed a crime. Both are presumed innocent unless convicted.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 209-385-7547 or email SheriffTips@countyofmerced.com.

Sources: Merced County Sheriff’s Office post, Nov. 2, 2026.