Community Center Employee Reportedly Stabbed When She Intervenes In Couple's Argument

GARDEN GROVE (CBSLA.com) — A 51-year-old man was arguing with his girlfriend at an Orange County community center when he stabbed an employee who intervened in their dispute.

Garden Grove police arrested Trinh Dang Nguyen, of Huntington Beach, on suspicion of attempted murder. He is being held on $500,000 bail.

At around 9 a.m. Thursday, Nguyen went to the Free Vietnam Community Center to see his girlfriend, who goes to the facility for the services it offers to elderly and mentally challenged residents in the Vietnamese community, Garden Grove police Lt. Jeff Nightengale said.

Nguyen and his girlfriend got into an altercation when a 37-year-old female employee intervened; Nguyen used a 6-inch hunting knife and allegedly stabbed the employee twice in the stomach area, Nightengale said.

A male employee stepped in and wrestled the knife away from Nguyen while several other staff members helped detain the suspect until police arrived.

The victim underwent surgery and her injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The six men who helped hold Nguyen for police were reportedly given the Police Chief's Coin of Merit for their efforts.

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