A deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department was stabbed in the neck Tuesday afternoon while conducting homeless outreach near the San Clemente Beach Trail.
Authorities are now searching for the suspect, whom they describe as a transient known to law enforcement.
The attack occurred near the 1700 block of Avenida Estacion and Calle de Los Molinos. According to Sgt. Matthew Parrish, the deputy was speaking with a homeless man she knew when he suddenly stabbed her in the neck.
The wounded deputy managed to radio for help 30 minutes later, and responding deputies found her in a parking lot, where they immediately provided medical aid. She sustained a one-inch laceration to her neck but is expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities have released an image of the suspect but have not disclosed his name. He was last seen running towards a storm drain near Avenida Pico and El Camino Real.
The suspect is described as:
White male, mid-30s
Brown hair, blue eyes, and a beard
Approximately 5’10” and 164 lbs
Last seen wearing a black jacket and dark-colored pants
Residents are urged to call 911 immediately if they spot the suspect. Law enforcement has not yet revealed a motivefor the attack, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The City of San Clemente employs two full-time Community Outreach Workers who provide outreach and case management services seven days a week. These workers coordinate closely with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Code Compliance staff, and Park Rangers to assist homeless individuals and families.
