Arroyo Grande Police Arrest Suspect Threatening to Stab Co-Workers

On August 1, 2025, at approximately 6:13 a.m., Arroyo Grande Police Department officers were dispatched to the 600 block of El Camino Real. The victim reported that a male suspect armed with a knife had threatened to kill him and his co-workers.

On arrival, the officers located the suspect, later identified as Royce Taylor Bechtel, a 35-year-old resident of Arroyo Grande, lying on the ground in the parking lot. Witnesses at the scene reported that Bechtel had been chasing another individual around a vehicle while armed with a knife and threatening to kill the person. Several bystanders intervened and subdued Bechtel until officers arrived.

Bechtel sustained a head injury during the incident and was transported to Arroyo Grande Hospital for treatment. After being medically cleared, Bechtel was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on the following charge:

• Penal Code 664/187- Attempted Murder
• Penal Code 422 – Criminal Threats

Bechtel had recently been released from the San Luis Obispo County Jail on his own recognizance (OR release) following an arrest for violation of Penal Code 69 – Resisting an Executive Officer with Force or Fear.

The Arroyo Grande Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Sergeant Jason Castillo at 805.473.5110 x5127.