Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs police have arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with a stabbing that occurred late last month along the CV Link trail.

According to the Palm Springs Police Department, officers responded on December 31, 2025, to a reported stabbing along the CV Link trail between Golf Club Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive, within the City of Palm Springs. The incident was reported at approximately 2:40 p.m., though the victim told officers the assault occurred earlier in the day, around 11:30 a.m.

Investigators said the victim, an adult male who was out for a walk, reported making eye contact with another man as they passed each other on the trail. About 15 minutes later, while heading home, the victim noticed the same individual still in the area. The suspect allegedly put on a ski mask, approached while yelling profanities, and assaulted the victim, knocking him to the ground. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled on foot.

Suspect, Jacob Masters, 53 of Palm Springs

After the encounter, the victim realized he had been stabbed. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was later released.

Through the investigation, police identified the suspect as Jacob Masters, 53, of Palm Springs. Detectives and patrol officers continued efforts to locate him in the days following the incident.

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, officers located Masters in the 5600 block of East Ramon Road. Police said Masters fled when officers attempted to detain him but was ultimately apprehended near the CV Link trail in the area of the Cimarron Golf Course.

Masters was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and has been charged with attempted murder and resisting an officer.

Police said the stabbing appears to have been an unprovoked attack. Authorities reported that the suspect did not demand property, and the motive for the assault remains under investigation.