Acworth, Cherokee County, Ga. October 18, 2007- Cherokee Sheriff’s deputies responded to a stabbing at approximately 3:00 am this morning in Shadowood Mobile Home Park off Bells Ferry Road in south Cherokee county. Deputies found the victim, Jose Gonzales, 22 years old of Acworth, conscious with a large stab wound to his back and arm. Gonzales was transported to Kennestone Hospital. His wounds are not considered life threatening.

Detectives with the sheriff’s office Violent Crime Division are investigating the incident which reportedly stemmed from an argument over who was the best volleyball player. Investigators believe three Hispanic males were involved in the assault. They are currently looking for a Hispanic male by the name of Mario Leija, 28 years old of Woodstock, who they believe stabbed Gonzales. The other two Hispanic’s names are unknown. Anyone with any information regarding Leija’s whereabouts or the stabbing are urged to contact the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Division at 678-493-4080.