A tragic incident outside a public library in California has led to a major legal claim against the city of Downey. The family of a retired man who was fatally stabbed while charging his electric vehicle says critical time was lost when an ambulance meant to take him to the hospital was stolen during the emergency response.
Man Fatally Stabbed While Charging Car Outside Library
The victim, 68-year-old Reinaldo Lefonts, was attacked on September 13, 2025, while charging his Tesla outside a public library in Downey, California.
Witnesses told authorities that the stabbing happened near an electric vehicle charging station outside the library. Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene and prepared to transport Lefonts to the hospital.
However, before the victim could be placed in the ambulance, another unexpected incident unfolded.
Ambulance Stolen During Emergency Response
According to reports, a different man — not connected to the stabbing — allegedly entered the ambulance and drove away while emergency responders were still at the scene.
Police then launched a pursuit that lasted about 15 miles before the stolen ambulance eventually crashed.
During the chaos, Lefonts was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shocking series of events raised questions about how the situation was handled and whether the victim could have survived if the ambulance had not been taken.
Suspects Arrested in Separate Crimes
Authorities later arrested two suspects connected to the incident.
The first suspect, 23-year-old Giovanni Navarro, was accused of carrying out the stabbing. Officials say he has a long criminal record with about 28 previous convictions. Navarro has been charged with murder.
The second suspect, 52-year-old Nicholas DeMarco, was arrested for allegedly stealing the ambulance.
Reports say both suspects were homeless at the time of the incident.
Family Files $40 Million Wrongful Death Claim
On March 6, Lefonts’ family filed a wrongful death claim seeking $40 million from the city of Downey.
The family argues that the ambulance theft caused critical delays that prevented paramedics from transporting Lefonts to the hospital in time.
According to the claim, every second during a medical emergency is important, and the ambulance represented the victim’s best chance of survival.
The family’s attorney said the situation was shocking and difficult to believe.
“The paramedics couldn’t transport him to the hospital because the vehicle was stolen by another homeless man,” the attorney said.
Lawsuit Also Raises Safety Concerns
The legal claim also argues that the area around the library was not safe and that the city failed to prevent dangerous conditions.
Another issue raised in the claim involves the ambulance itself.
According to the family, the emergency vehicle did not have an anti-theft locking device installed. They argue that such devices are required under California state law and could have prevented the theft.
These factors are part of the family’s argument that the city may share responsibility for what happened.
Remembering the Victim
Family members say Lefonts had recently retired just a few months before the incident.
He previously worked as a laboratory technician at the University of California, Irvine.
Friends and relatives remember him as someone who enjoyed spending time with his family and looked forward to retirement.
His death has left loved ones searching for answers and accountability.
City Has Limited Time to Respond
Officials in the city of Downey now have 45 days to respond to the legal claim filed by the family.
If the city does not respond or resolve the matter, the claim could move forward as a formal lawsuit.
The case has drawn attention because of the unusual and tragic chain of events that unfolded during the emergency response.
