University Star

The suspect linked with the assault of two custodial workers is now in custody.

Pablo Franco was pulled over near Sinton during a traffic stop off Highway 181 in San Patricio County at approximately 10 p.m. Sunday.

Franco was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated assault. Officials have a warrant in place to charge Franco with an additional count of aggravated assault.

On Friday, Sept. 14, Franco allegedly attacked his wife and stepdaughter, members of the campus custodial staff, while they were walking from Harris Dining Hall to the Child Development Center.

Franco allegedly assaulted the victims with his hands and feet. He pulled his wife’s hair and held a knife to her neck as he tried to force her into an SUV.

Sergeant Alexander Villalobos said the stepdaughter intervened while Franco was trying to pull his wife into the SUV, directing his attention to her. He then got in the car and left.

Villalobos said 911 was called at some point during the incident, causing Franco to flee the scene. An arrest warrant was sent out for Franco.

There was no specific motive behind the attack, Villalobos said.

“There definitely was a disagreement within the relationship,” Villalobos said. “There’s multiple things going on, and there was no one definitive reason at this point.”

Police say Franco has an extensive criminal past.