Storm Lake Times Pilot

Texas man arrested for attempted murder

Victim manages to escape, hospitalized with injuries


Miguel Garcia-Monelongo

Storm Lake police arrested a Texas man Friday morning on charges that he attempted to rape and kill a fellow guest at the Budget Host Inn.

Jail records show Miguel Garcia-Montelongo, 55, of Hidalgo, Tex., was booked at 5:14 a.m. Friday on six felony charges, including attempted murder and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. The charges stem from an alleged assault five hours earlier at the motel on North Lake Avenue. 

Court documents allege Garcia-Montelongo attacked a male victim after the victim turned down an offer to snort cocaine. Garcia-Montelongo reportedly armed himself with a knife and started gouging the victim’s eyes with his hands. 

“In order for you to die, you will have to suffer,” Garcia-Montelongo told the victim as the assault ensued, according to a complaint.

Garcia-Montelongo then tried to flip the victim over on his stomach to pull down his pants. “I’m going to rape you,” Garcia-Montelongo declared, according to police.

The victim then kicked Garcia-Montelongo, who fell on his right leg. He forced himself to stand and punched Garcia-Montelongo one last time in the face. It gave him enough time to flee the room and call for his wife four doors down, who then dialed 911. 

Officers contacted the victim at the hotel at 12:48 a.m. He was transported to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment of “facial and leg injuries.” The victim also suffered a dislocated ankle and a broken leg, according to court documents. 

Garcia-Montelongo was arrested at the motel without incident. He was charged with attempted murder, assault while participating in a felony, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, going armed with intent, willful injury, assault causing serious injury and assault while displaying a weapon. He was jailed on a $67,000 bond, according to jail records. 

A preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled.

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