A California grandfather bled out after a homeless man stabbed him at a charging station, then a second transient stole the ambulance dispatched to save his life, according to the victim’s devastated family.
Double Tragedy at California Charging Station
Reinaldo L. was charging his Tesla at a Downey public charging station when a homeless individual attacked him without warning. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but before paramedics could transport the critically injured grandfather to the hospital, another vagrant jumped into the ambulance and drove away. The family claims this theft of the emergency vehicle directly contributed to their loved one’s death, as precious minutes were lost while a replacement ambulance was dispatched.
NEW: Family of man randomly stabbed by a homeless man outside the Downey City Library, who died at the scene after another homeless man stole the ambulance, seeks $40 million in damages from the city
Reinaldo Jesus Lefonts, 68, was charging his Tesla when Giovanni Navarro, 23,… pic.twitter.com/2chF3AJvCf
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 8, 2026
The Downey incident highlights growing concerns about public safety at California charging stations and public facilities. Police have not yet released details about whether suspects have been apprehended in either the stabbing or the ambulance theft. The family is demanding answers about how a vagrant was able to steal an emergency vehicle while paramedics were actively treating a stabbing victim.
California’s Escalating Homelessness Crisis
This tragedy occurs against the backdrop of California’s worsening homelessness emergency, with encampments proliferating near public facilities including libraries, parks, and charging stations. Downey residents have reported increased incidents of aggressive behavior and property crimes in areas where homeless populations have concentrated. The city library, located near the charging station where the attack occurred, has faced ongoing challenges with transient individuals camping on its grounds.
Family Demands Accountability
The victim’s family is calling for immediate policy changes to protect citizens using public facilities. They argue that inadequate security measures and failed homelessness policies created the conditions that led to their grandfather’s death. The stolen ambulance was eventually recovered, but the delay in medical transport proved fatal. Local officials have not yet commented on what security protocols were in place at the charging station or how the ambulance theft was allowed to occur during an active emergency response.
It’s quite apparent negligence on the part of the emergency driver leaving the vehicle running, or, leaving the keys inside where they were found and the ambulance driven away. Additionally, since when is an ambulance dispatched without a police car to order such emergency after being called to the scene.?
Terribly sad for the family…however, in their loss the Grandfather;… he will have left behind without his knowledge a substantial amount of money for the family
I’m pretty sure that the driver of the ambulance was way too busy thinking about saving the man’s life. I bet he never thought that someone would come along and steal the emergency vehicle. This family has suffered a huge loss. The money that he may or may not have left probably will have little to no consolation to them.
I’m sorry about this man losing his life and pray for his soul. But Californians and possibly the family of this man, how do you like how your safety and very life is negatively affected by the politicians you voted for who set the scene for this scenario with their soft on crime policies?