POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA — A 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegedly stabbing his former coworker 14 times outside her home early Saturday morning in what authorities described as an “obsession.” The attack ended only when the victim’s brother intervened and fought the masked assailant off.
Brutal Ambush on the Porch
The incident happened shortly after 1:00 a.m. at a rural residence in Pottawatomie County. The 18-year-old woman had just stepped onto her front porch while eating a burger when she was ambushed from behind by a man wearing a ski mask.
The attacker began stabbing her in the neck, wrist, and upper body while reportedly saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," during the assault. Her screams woke up her family, prompting her brother and mother to rush outside. The brother struggled with the attacker and suffered minor injuries but managed to drive him away before deputies arrived.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle. First responders rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical but stable condition. Authorities credited the brother's actions with saving her life.
Suspect Identified as Former Coworker With History of Stalking
Investigators identified the attacker as Ronaldo Zavala, 24, a former coworker of the victim from a local movie theater. According to the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, Zavala had developed an unhealthy obsession with the victim, who had previously filed a workplace complaint against him, which led to his termination.
Even after being fired, Zavala allegedly continued harassing her by sending unsolicited gifts and placing unwanted food delivery orders to her home. On the night of the attack, authorities believe he was lying in wait outside the house for her to return.
Zavala was arrested later that day and charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault and battery, assault and battery while masked or disguised, and domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held in the Pottawatomie County jail.
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