A Southern California man accused of brutally assaulting an elderly woman with a bat and then fleeing the state has been apprehended in Oklahoma. Erik Navarro, 26, was taken into custody on unrelated traffic charges, leading to his extradition back to California.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced Navarro's capture and subsequent return to Southern California on Wednesday. He was booked on suspicion of robbery, causing injury to an elder, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, and destruction of a wireless communication device. Navarro is currently being held at the West Valley jail in Rancho Cucamonga with bail set at $250,000, and his case has been referred to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office.
Navarro had been a fugitive since approximately August 25, when deputies responded to a distress call at the Crestline residence of 71-year-old Therese Garcia. Garcia sustained multiple injuries, including a laceration to her forehead and eyebrow, swollen hands, and damage around her orbital area that impaired her vision. Investigators allege that Navarro attacked Garcia with a baseball bat.
According to Garcia's family, Navarro had been staying with the victim for several days prior to the assault after claiming his possessions were stolen while camping nearby. Family members stated that Navarro allegedly began making demands and asserting control over Garcia's home before attacking her when she asked him to leave. He is accused of stealing her phone, credit cards, keys, e-bike, and other belongings before fleeing.
Garcia reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury, a brain bleed, multiple deep lacerations requiring extensive stitches, facial and hand fractures, and severe eye injuries. Her family believes that prompt action by neighbors in contacting authorities is the reason she survived and is recovering. The family has launched an online fundraising campaign to help cover Garcia's substantial medical bills, as she lacks health insurance.
