BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A man convicted of attacking a driver with a knife and stealing money from him after approaching a disabled vehicle was sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday, according to the Kern County court website.
Daniel Parks was convicted last month of assault with a deadly weapon, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, and petty theft. Parks was sentenced on March 17, 2026, court records show.
Prosecutors said the attack happened Oct. 12, 2025, at about 11:45 a.m., when the victim was sitting in his disabled vehicle awaiting assistance. Parks approached the vehicle, entered through the rear driver’s side door, took money from the victim and then exited, prosecutors said.
Daniel Parks. Photo: Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
When Parks asked the victim for money, and the victim refused to give more, prosecutors said that Parks pulled out a knife, reached into the vehicle, and began assaulting the victim with it. After a struggle, the victim managed to escape. Parks then took additional money and fled on foot.
The victim sustained five linear lacerations directly under his left eye, each about a half-inch long.
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Kern County DA Cynthia Zimmer commented at the time of Parks’ conviction, “This individual chose to commit an assault with a weapon in pursuit of money. Actions that disregard the safety of others are unacceptable and come with real consequences.”