KCAL9 Viewer Helps Police Nab Suspect In Stabbing

COVINA (CBSLA.com) — A KCAL9 viewer is being credited for helping police catch a suspect in an attempted robbery at a gas station in Covina Monday.

The man, who only identified himself as Tim, said he saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's vehicle Tuesday afternoon.

The Good Samaritan said he recognized the black 2000 model Chevrolet SUV after seeing the news on KCAL9, which showed security video of the vehicle and the victim being stabbed behind the counter of the 76 gas station on the 600 block of South Barranca Avenue.

"Yeah, it was KCAL9 actually what I saw the clip on," Tim said. His memory proved to be key as he was driving around Covina during his lunch hour Tuesday afternoon.

"I just happened to pull up behind a black SUV. There was no license plate on it. So again, I looked and I noticed there was no hubcap on the left rear wheel. And after I noticed that, I was like, ok, there's too many things lining up here. This has got to be that vehicle," Tim said.

So Tim called 911 and followed the SUV to the 1400 block of West Bridger Street until police arrived. When they did, they determined that the man in the SUV was wanted for stabbing 62-year-old Jamal Hassabala, according to Covina police Sgt. Gregg Peterson.

He said the suspect Frank Ponce-DeLeon, 54, of La Puente has a history of violent felonies.

"In this situation, the witness saw something and said something, and it paid off," said Peterson.

Tim said he is glad he was able to help make the community safer. "The safer the community, the better. It's just one more person out there that might not commit a crime on somebody."

Hassabala suffered wounds to his left arm. He said he is thankful to Tim and Covina police for catching the suspect so quickly.

Ponce-DeLeon was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and attempted robbery. He was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.