Man stabs deputy, evades capture in San Clemente

Authorities in Orange County are on the hunt for a man suspected of stabbing a deputy on Tuesday afternoon, March 18. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. while the deputy was patrolling with a partner in the San Clemente area. According to a spokesperson from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the deputy was attacked by the suspect near Avenida Pico and Calle de Los Molinos. The deputy was quickly taken to a hospital and is expected to recover fully from his injuries. The suspect is described as a White man in his mid-30s, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has brown hair, blue eyes, and a beard. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black jacket and dark pants. He was last seen running toward a storm drain at Avenida Pico and El Camino Real. As authorities search for the suspect, they have urged anyone who sees him to call 9-1-1 and avoid approaching him. Nearby San Clemente High School and Las Palmas Elementary School were placed on lockdown as a precaution, and students were sheltering in place. More information about the events leading to the assault is not yet available.