A man is recovering from being stabbed during what’s believed to be an attempted robbery in Santa Maria last week – a crime police say is on the rise in one particular part of the city.
Police say they were called to the 1000 block of West Las Flores Avenue shortly before 11:30 p.m. on March 20 to reports of a “man down.”
When they arrived, they found a 25-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. He was airlifted to the hospital and was in “stable” condition on Friday, according to police.
Police say the detective’s bureau is handling the investigation and looking into possible surveillance video from the area.
A language barrier made it difficult for police to get information from the victim on possible suspects but a police sergeant says they learned three males wearing dark clothing approached the man and stabbed him multiple times. They believe the men were looking to take personal property from the victim.
The incident is believed to have happened in the area of Western and Las Flores, according to police, who say while they cannot rule out the incident was gang-related, they do not believe the victim is involved in gang activity.
Police say while there has been an increase in incidents like these in Santa Maria, especially in the area where Wednesday’s stabbing occurred, several arrests have also been made recently.
Additional officers are now patrolling the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Maria Police Department.
