“I Just Saw Her on the Ground”: Manhunt Underway After Woman Brutally Stabbed in Northwest Miami-Dade

What began as a quiet Thursday morning in a suburban stretch of northwest Miami-Dade quickly turned into a crime scene — one now haunting an entire neighborhood.

Shortly before 9 a.m. on July 24, a woman was found bleeding in the street near Northwest 172nd Street and 94th Court in the Country Walk community. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), she had been stabbed at least once, left injured and alone as her alleged attacker fled the scene.

“She Was Just Lying There” — Witnesses Recount a Shocking Scene

“I thought someone had passed out from the heat,” said one resident, who was walking her dog when she saw the woman collapsed on the sidewalk. “But then I saw the blood, and I screamed for help.”

The woman — who has not been named publicly due to the ongoing investigation — was rushed to a nearby hospital. Doctors say she is in stable condition, but the road to recovery, both physically and emotionally, may be a long one.

Who Is the Suspect?

Authorities are urgently searching for 53-year-old Manuel Salgado Peña, now the prime suspect in the stabbing.

According to MDSO, Peña is facing multiple felony charges, including:

• Attempted Murder

• Aggravated Battery

• Burglary with Domestic Violence

This wasn’t random, police say — Peña and the victim knew each other, though officials are not releasing further details about the nature of their relationship.

He is believed to be armed and dangerous, and still at large as of the latest reports.

Be On the Lookout: Vehicles Connected to Peña

Law enforcement warns that Peña could be driving one of two vehicles:

1. A white 2016 Jeep SUV – Florida tag GTLF29

2. A black 1995 Suzuki motorcycle – Florida tag 8027RJ

Residents are urged not to approach if they see him or the vehicles. Instead, they should immediately call:

• Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers: 305-471-TIPS (8477)

• Special Victims Bureau: 305-715-3300

Beyond the Headlines: A Deeper Crisis

This is more than just a police case — it’s a snapshot of something deeper.

This stabbing is being investigated as a domestic violence incident, part of a growing concern across South Florida. Advocates say these kinds of attacks, especially ones involving former partners, are tragically common and often escalate without warning.

“This woman survived, but many don’t,” said Carolina Suarez, a spokesperson for a local women’s advocacy group. “It’s time we stop seeing these as isolated incidents and start addressing the root causes.”

In 2024 alone, Miami-Dade County recorded over 1,400 domestic violence-related arrests, many involving repeat offenders. Advocates say more prevention, mental health access, and community vigilance are critical.

The Community Reacts

Neighbors described Peña as “quiet but distant,” often seen riding his motorcycle. Some admitted to being “unnerved” by him but had no reason to suspect anything so violent could happen.

“Now I’m scared to walk my kids to school,” said one mother who lives two blocks from the scene. “It could’ve been any of us.”

The incident has sparked calls for increased police patrols and domestic abuse awareness programs in the area.

Case Summary at a Glance

A Call for Compassion & Action

This isn’t just another crime story — this is the story of a woman who nearly lost her life at the hands of someone she likely trusted. It’s a wake-up call for a community that, like so many others, must confront the silent epidemic of domestic violence.

As the search for Manuel Salgado Peña continues, the hope remains that justice will be swift and the victim will find peace — and that no other woman will have to face the same nightmare.