Suspect Arrested For Allegedly Stabbing 2 Men In Covina Hate Crime

COVINA (CBSLA.com) — A 19-year-old man was in custody Sunday for allegedly stabbing two black men with a knife in a shopping center parking lot.

According to the Covina Police Department, officers were sent around 7:41 p.m. Saturday to the 100 block of North Azusa Avenue for report of a stabbing that had just occurred.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Louis Vasquez, of La Puente, allegedly snuck up behind and stabbed an 18-year-old who worked at a Smart & Final in the shopping center.

The 18-year-old sustained a deep laceration to the back of his right shoulder, authorities said.

The suspect then stabbed a 27-year-old man walking through the parking lot towards a CVS store.

The victim sustained a laceration to his right shoulder and left knee. That victim was able to subdue Vasquez and kick the knife away. Police said Vasquez then fled.

Detectives learned that both victims -- black males -- did not know each other or the suspect, an admitted gang member.

Police told CBS2's Greg Mills that Vasquez confessed to them that the men were targeted because they were black.

Witnesses were able to provide a description of Vasquez to police on scene.

Police set up a containment area in the 800 block of West Edna. Officers were able to locate and arrest Vasquez in the backyard of a residence.

He is currently being held on $500,000 for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, gang enhancement, and hate crime charges.

A 14-year-old teen who was home alone Saturday evening told Mills he heard the suspect running through his backyard.

"They just told him to get on your stomach, put your hands behind your head. And they told us to stay inside and lock all the doors," said the teen.

"This is a hate crime, based on statements the suspect said," Covina Police Sgt. Gregg Peterson told Mills.

Neither victim sustained life-threatening wounds.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police at (626) 384-5612.