Knife-wielding man arrested after random attack leaves victim injured in Santa Ana

A man wielding a knife in public reportedly targeted random people in Santa Ana and was arrested on suspicion of wounding a man Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Authorities received reports of the armed man attempting to cut people in the crowded parking lot of AutoZone at 430 W. 17th Street, near Ross Street, at about 1:45 p.m., Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. One man was stabbed multiple times and taken to a hospital with injuries that were serious, but not considered life-threatening.

First responders treated the victim at the scene while waiting for an ambulance, and were notified that the suspect was still in the area, Bertagna said. He was located nearby and taken into custody. A knife presumed to have been used in the attack was found in his possession.

Initial investigation revealed no relationship between the victim and the man who wounded him, Bertagna said. Details regarding the suspect’s identity and motive were not immediately available. The incident was under investigation.

The attack happened in broad daylight and in full view of the public, Bertagna said. A large crowd had gathered at the parking lot involved in the wake of the violence.

“He appeared to be under the influence or had mental health issues, or both,” Bertagna said of the suspect, adding no drugs were immediately found in the suspect’s possession.