“The victim ordered pizza, and Alvelo got mad about the tip,” the statement said. “Alvelo returned with an armed male, forced into the room. Armed with a knife, Alvelo attacked the victim.
“The victim was stabbed several times, and items were taken. She’s in the hospital and stable,” it added.
The pizza was about $33, and Alvelo couldn’t give change for the $50. The woman gave a $2 tip, NBC News reported.
The victim was at the motel with her boyfriend and daughter, celebrating a birthday.
Police records show the victim tried to protect her daughter from the armed pair and was hit.
She then threw her daughter on the bed to grab her phone, but Alvelo smashed it and attacked with the knife.
Alvelo faces charges like attempted murder and home invasion.
Marco’s Pizza owners apologized.
“We’re sad about this. The local team’s helping police. Safety’s our top priority, and we’re taking this seriously,” the statement said.