State Prison Sentence for Porterville Knife Attacked
On August 26, 2026, in Department 21 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, the court sentenced Lucas Dee Drak, age 44, to 18 years, 8 months in state prison for a July 2026 stabbing attack in Porterville.
Late in the evening on July 9, Drak entered an apartment building lobby armed with a large knife and attacked a man, telling him he would kill him. Drak thrust the knife at the victim’s chest and stomach multiple times causing a laceration to the victim’s shoulder. After the attack, another person entered the lobby from an elevator and found Drak throwing furniture. Drak pointed the knife at her and blocked her from leaving the lobby, stating that she “was not going anywhere.” Drak eventually left.
Witnesses were able to flag down a Porterville Police Department officer who was in the vicinity of the apartment. Police quickly located Drak and contacted him near a popular bar on Main Street. Despite many calls to drop the knife, Drak continued toward the entrance of the bar, waving the knife at officers. When Drak attempted to enter the crowded bar, an officer fired three shots at Drak, striking him once. Drak was subdued and taken for medical treatment. He was transported and booked into custody the following day.
Drak pleaded no contest to all charges and special allegations filed against him just days after the incident: two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, false imprisonment, resisting an executive officer, and exhibiting a deadly weapon to a police officer.
Drak has an extensive criminal history starting in 2002, including 15 felony convictions and multiple parole violations. His most recent felony conviction came in late 2024 for indecent exposure. In that case, he was sentenced to two years in prison and was released by CDCR in April 2026. Drak is a registered sex offender and was on parole at the time of the stabbing.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Jessica Weatherly (559) 636-5494