Fight at SLO homeless camp ends with suspect nearly cutting off other man’s fingers, police say
San Luis Obispo Police officers arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder Thursday after a fight at a homeless camp resulted in the suspect allegedly attacking the victim with two machetes and nearly cutting off several of the man’s fingers.
Just before noon Thursday, San Luis Obispo Police responded to multiple reports of a man bleeding near the Bob Jones Trail off of Prado Road.
Upon arrival, officers found a burning encampment and Mato Hayes, who was bleeding from cuts on his arm and fingers, according to police.
The San Luis Obispo Fire Department also responded to the scene to put out the fire and provide Hayes with medical aid before he was transported to a hospital for major injuries, according to the news release.
Hayes had lacerations to his arm and his several of fingers were nearly severed, according to the news release.
Police officers identified the man suspected of wounding Hayes as Jordan Taylor Smith, 23.
According to police, Hayes and Smith were arguing over property at Smith’s encampment — which resulted in Hayes lighting Smith’s tent on fire.
Smith responded by telling Hayes to leave the area and brandishing two machetes. According to police, Hayes said Smith struck him two to three times with the machetes, resulting in injuries to Hayes’ arm.
Police immediately began searching for Smith, according to the release.
Smith was not found in the area during an initial search, however investigators and SLOPD’s Special Enforcement Team returned to the area and were able to locate him after speaking with several witnesses.
Smith had been near the creak when officers first tried to contact him, police said. He immediately took off running and led officers on a “lengthy foot pursuit,” the release said.
Officers caught up to and arrested Smith behind the 3600 block of South Higuera Street, near the area behind Meathead Movers.
Smith was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, a misdemeanor warrant, and a felony warrant. His bail has been set at $500,000, according to booking logs.
This is an active investigation. SLOPD has asked anyone with information about the incident to call San Luis Obispo investigator Chris Chitty at 805-594-8003 or Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP. Police said they believe there is no current threat to public safety as it appeared to be an isolated incident.
This story was originally published September 11, 2020 at 11:14 AM.
