ECPD: Witness deters armed suspect with firearm, suspect still on the loose

The witness told ECPD that the suspect dropped the knife and took off running after shots were fired

El Centro, Calif. (KYMA) - The El Centro Police Department says a man accused of an attempted stabbing during a vehicle break-in was deterred by an armed witness who shot at the suspect in an effort to help the victim.

Police responded to the report of shots fired in the 1200 block of Vine Street Tuesday at 2:50 a.m.

According to police, the suspect was caught breaking into a vehicle. When the owner of the car confronted the suspect, the suspect was armed with a knife and attempted to stab the vehicle owner, according to ECPD.

The witness told police that the suspect dropped the knife and took off running after shots were fired. Police are not aware if the suspect was shot but describe him as a hispanic male, six feet tall, wearing a black face mask and dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Adrian Chilpa at (760) 352 -2111 ext. 1347