In Independence, Missouri, a local man is recuperating after a seemingly benign act of kindness took a violent turn. The man, Doctore Paton, was reportedly stabbed after offering a ride to a stranger who claimed his car had broken down.
Paton, who was working on his truck at his residence on September 29, was approached by 28-year-old Tyler Rizer. Rizer requested a ride back to a nearby Target store, claiming his vehicle had malfunctioned. Paton, in a spirit of goodwill, agreed to assist.
However, once they were on the road, Rizer’s behavior took a disturbing turn. He attempted to alter their destination, and when Paton tried to pull over, the situation escalated. According to a police affidavit, Rizer seized control of the vehicle, threatening Paton with a knife he had retrieved from the center console.
Heather Paton, Doctore’s wife, recounted to local media that Rizer threatened her husband with the ultimatum, “You’re going to keep driving, or I’m going to stab you.” In defiance, Paton slowed the car and removed the keys from the ignition. As he attempted to exit the vehicle, Rizer stabbed him twice in the chest.
Despite his injuries, Paton managed to escape and seek help from a neighbor, who chased Rizer away with a shovel. Paton was subsequently transported to a hospital with critical injuries.
Rizer’s crime spree reportedly continued after the stabbing. He allegedly trespassed into another resident’s yard, threatened a woman and her two children, and stole their car, which was later involved in a crash. Witnesses claim Rizer attempted another carjacking following the crash before he was finally apprehended.
Rizer, who has a history of felony convictions, including assault on a law enforcement officer, robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle tampering, has been charged with assault and armed criminal action.