SANTA ROSA: MAN GETS 15 YEARS FOR MACHETE ATTACK

A Santa Rosa man who attacked a woman with a machete, fracturing her skull, was sentenced Thursday to more than 15 years in state prison.

Javier Gonzalez-Rodriguez, 44, was convicted in March of attempted murder, mayhem and other felonies in the Aug. 17, 2009, attack at a homeless camp near Cleveland Avenue.

Police said Gonzalez-Rodriguez argued with his 26-year-old girlfriend before the assault occurred. A witness who wrestled the machete away said Gonzalez-Rodriguez began slashing at the woman after she tried to break off the relationship.

She was hospitalized with wounds to her head, hand and leg, police said.

Gonzalez-Rodriguez fled but was found by police in a nearby field after others in the camp called 911.

Under sentencing laws, he must serve 85 percent of his 15-year, eight-month sentence before he is eligible for parole.

-- Paul Payne