A violent attempted murder with a knife at a Downtown Redding motel was witnessed by multiple people as they dined at Lulu’s Restaurant, according to police. Officers were dispatched at 3:45PM Saturday afternoon. 44-year-old Ernest Lechuga had been staying at the Ponderosa Inn with his elderly girlfriend, and their tumultuous relationship had caused ongoing disturbances to the degree that management asked them to leave the motel. That’s when Lechuga’s girlfriend said Lechuga had assaulted her and she asked for help. There was a physical confrontation as 51-year-old Christopher Aguilar and two other people tried to force Lechuga to go away. He left but returned a short time later and was again confronted by Aguilar. Lechuga allegedly pulled out a knife and went after Aguilar, chasing him through the parking lot until Aguilar tripped and fell to the ground. Lechuga reportedly pounced on him and started stabbing him in the head and abdomen in full sight of the Lulu’s restaurant patrons. Lechuga then ran across the street to South City Park and tried to blend in with a large group of homeless people, but police quickly apprehended him. Lechuga was booked into jail for attempted murder, domestic violence and elder abuse. Aguilar was transported to Mercy Hospital with serious stab wounds. He’s since been released.