A Palm Springs resident has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a hiker on New Year’s Eve in Palm Springs, California.
The attack happened around 11:30 a.m. local time on Dec. 31, 2025, while the victim — who has not been publicly identified — was hiking on the CV Link trail between Golf Club Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive, KTLA and Desert Sun report.
Palm Springs Police said Jacob Masters, 53, was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on Sunday, Jan. 11, and charged with attempted murder and resisting an officer.
According to police, the victim — described as an adult man — said he made eye contact with a man on the trail as they passed. About 15 minutes later, as the victim was preparing to leave the area, the same man was still nearby. Police allege Masters then put on a ski mask, approached while yelling profanities, and assaulted the victim, knocking him to the ground.
Investigators currently believe the confrontation was unprovoked. Police said the victim fought back, and the suspect fled on foot. After the altercation, the victim realized he had been stabbed. He was treated at a local hospital and later released.
Authorities said they located Masters on the 5600 block of E. Ramon Road on Sunday. When officers attempted to detain him, police said he ran but was ultimately captured near the CV Link trail in the area of the Cimarron Golf Course. Police added that no property was demanded and the motive remains under investigation.
