Man suspected of stabbing, attempted eye gouging flees Long Beach courthouse

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Thursday, August 11, 2016
Abel Munugia, 19, is shown in a mugshot.
Abel Munugia, 19, is shown in a mugshot.
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SAN PEDRO, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities are searching for a 19-year-old fugitive who escaped from a Long Beach courthouse Wednesday afternoon.

Abel Munguia appeared in court to answer questions about two separate felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and mayhem. When he was told of the charges he faced, he fled the courthouse and was somehow able to remove his electronic ankle monitor.

The monitor was found in Carson, and a $1.25 million warrant has been issued for his arrest.

In December 2015, Munguia was arrested on suspicion of stabbing a 20-year-old woman in the back. On Aug. 3, he was arrested again on suspicion of nearly gouging out the eye of a 50-year-old man.

Authorities consider Munguia to be dangerous and want the public's help to find him.

Anyone with more information was asked to call Detective Patty Batts at (310) 726-7861 or (877) 527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call (800) 222-8477.