Suspect identified in fatal stabbing of roadside assistance driver in Pico Rivera

PICO RIVERA, Calif. (KABC) -- Sheriff's officials identified the suspect wanted in the fatal stabbing of a roadside assistance driver responding to an AAA service call in Pico Rivera.

Raymond Zabala III had just helped a woman whose car battery had died Tuesday afternoon in the 8400 block of Buhman Avenue. Sheriff's homicide investigators said it was that woman's son who came up and stabbed Zabala in the neck.

Neighbors said Zabala stumbled from door-to-door, trying to get help before he collapsed in front of a home.

Sheriff's investigators identified the suspect as 39-year-old Tobias Ruben Cabrera. Authorities said Cabrera fled the scene in a bicycle in an unknown direction.

A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said the suspect often acted bizarre and possibly had a mental disability.

Officials described Cabrera as 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. They believe Cabrera is still in possession of the knife and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Zabala worked at Petra Towing in Montebello. He leaves behind his wife and young son.

If you have any information about this case, you're urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.