18-year-old man arrested for alleged attempted murder in Calexico

Calexico Police Department responded to a call on Saturday morning about a 44-year-old man that was stabbed near downtown Calexico.

CPD said when they arrived at the block of Pauline and 3rd Street, they found the man bleeding from his arm.

CPD Sgt. Armando Orozco said, “The male reported that during a discussion with three subjects he was attacked and in the process of that attack they attempted to stab him.”

Police said had the victim not defend himself, his injuries could have been fatal.

Orozco said, “The intent was to stab him in the torso and he used his arm to block the stabbing. And he received a defensive wound to his arm.”

Police arrested one suspect in connection with the incident and said he’s facing serious charges.

“Attempted homicide or assault with a deadly weapon,” said Orozco.

The victim received medical attention and was airlifted for his injuries.

“Transported via helicopter out of El Centro Regional to get further treatment,” Orozco said.

Authorities are still on the lookout for two suspects involved in the crime.

Orozco added, “Right now we’re still following up on leads. Trying to get them identified. So once we get more information to positively identify them we’ll put it out to the public.”

Juan Penuelas who works near the incident said the neighborhood is usually safe.
Penuelas said, “It’s shocking to know that things like that could happen anywhere. But here locally it’s kinda rare you hear that type of stuff.”

After the stabbing, he says he’ll be more vigilant.

“I’ll most definitely look around and see what’s going on, on our whereabouts. Other than that we’re a very small community. Therefore look out one for another. Make sure that everybody is okay around you,” said Penuelas.

The 18-year-old suspect was booked into the Imperial County Jail on a bail of $500,000.