Loma Linda man attacked by neighbor, officials say; knife still lodged in skull

LOMA LINDA, California. – A Loma Linda man remained in intensive care Friday after being attacked and stabbed by a neighbor, police said. A piece of the knife used in the attack is still embedded in his skull.

Michael Roque was on his way to work at UC Riverside on Monday, heading to his carport, when he was attacked.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, 37-year-old Mark Eldridge, who had recently moved into the Loma Linda apartment complex, attacked Roque – first with a rock, then with a knife.

“As my son approached his car, a rock hit him several times in the back of the head, and as he fell forward, (Eldridge) used his knife,” said father Raul Roque. “(He) tried to cut his throat and stabbed him in the side of the head. A piece of the knife about four inches long broke off and got stuck in his brain.”

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The SBCSD said they received simultaneous 911 calls – one from Roque, who said he was being attacked, and one from Eldridge, who said someone was trying to break into his home. Officers said they found no signs of forced entry into the home, but plenty of signs of an assault with a deadly weapon, so they arrested Eldridge. His bail was set at $500,000.

Roque’s father told Fox 11 that Michael didn’t even know Eldridge. Off camera, neighbors said the suspect kept to himself and seemed paranoid. But no one seems to know what might have sparked the attack.

Roque’s injuries are traumatic and his treatment will be extensive.

The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his care. The 35-year-old had just changed jobs and was worried that his new insurance might not cover his treatments. You can find this fundraiser at Tap or click here.

“We’re just holding on,” said Raul Roque, “and hoping that this man doesn’t do this to any other family.”