A Greeley man who stabbed a 72-year-old man in the neck and chest was sentenced to 21 years in prison last week, the Weld County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Margarito Rodriguez, 28, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree assault for the attack that took place last year.

Officials said the attack happened the morning of June 29, 2020, outside of a 7-Eleven store at 1401 Ninth St. in Greeley.

The victim was standing in the parking lot talking to another man when Rodriguez walked up to him, stabbed him in the neck and chest, then ran away, the district attorney’s office said.

The victim was seriously injured but survived.

Police said they believe it was a random act of violence. Rodriguez did not know the victim at the time of the attack.

Police found Rodriguez in a nearby backyard shortly after the stabbing, breathing heavily and with blood on his shirt. Rodriguez attempted to run from police but was taken into custody immediately, officials said.

Rodriguez also pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for punching a Weld County Sheriff’s Office deputy while in jail. He was sentenced to five years in prison for the assault, which he will serve at the same time as the stabbing sentence.

Rodriguez will serve his sentences at the Colorado Department of Corrections.

According to public records, Rodriguez has also been found guilty in previous cases, including criminal mischief, criminal possession of financial devices, aggravated vehicle theft, escape from parole, identity theft and third-degree assault.