WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A car crash in west Wichita on Wednesday was intentional, police say. They also say the driver who caused the wreck stabbed the other driver.
Sometime after 6 p.m., the Wichita Police Department said a man in a white car intentionally crashed into a gray car near the intersection of West Street and Murdock.
Police say 38-year-old Julian Gonzalez was the driver of the white car. Four people were in the gray car — a 30-year-old man who was the driver, a 28-year-old woman, a 5-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl.
Witnesses said Gonzalez got out of his car and began breaking the windows of the other car with nunchucks.
The 30-year-old man got out of the car and began helping the woman and children get out. Police say that is when Gonzalez began stabbing the 30-year-old man.
West Wichita car crash leads to stabbings (KSN Photo) 
West Wichita car crash leads to stabbings (KSN Photo)
Police say two citizens played a vital role by putting themselves in harm’s way to stop Gonzalez and protect the victim. Officers say a woman used her vehicle to drive toward Gonzalez resulting in him “disengaging.”
Another witness was carrying a concealed firearm. Police say the witness held Gonzalez at gunpoint until officers arrived.
Other witnesses stepped in and provided first aid to the 30-year-old man.
“I’ll tell you that one citizen at least took off their belt and a shirt and were applying tourniquets,” Lt. Jason Waite, WPD, said. “So, citizens of Wichita stepped up tonight, really helped the police department out and probably saved this guy’s life, honestly.”
Police said the stabbing victim had serious injuries. The woman also had minor cuts from exiting the wrecked car. The two victims and the suspect were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Investigators believe this is an isolated incident and that the people involved knew each other.
According to Waite, the situation was brewing all week.
“It came to a head this evening with a car accident,” Waite said.
After Gonzalez was treated at the hospital, officers say they booked him on suspicion of attempted murder, two counts of child endangerment, several counts of aggravated battery, and criminal damage to property.
Police plan to present the case to the district attorney’s office for charges.