Truck Driver in Crash, Stabs Witness

July 28, 2008)

SANTA ANA – Authorities have arrested a 29-year-old parolee responsible for a vehicle accident involving a stolen pickup truck, which crashed in South Orange Avenue, Santa Ana. The police also reported that the driver stabbed one of three witnesses in the incident.

The suspect, Jorge Perez, was arrested and charged with assault, possession of a stolen vehicle and outstanding parole violations, the Santa Ana Police Department said.

The suspect had crashed a stolen vehicle into a parked box-trailer truck, Gonzalez said.

A man and his two sons who work at a nearby business came outside to investigate and saw the suspect trying to walk away from the area, Gonzalez said.

Castillo and his two sons tried to keep the suspect at the scene. A struggle ensued when the men tried to detain Perez, who pulled out a sharp metal object and struck Castillo's other son in the head, causing a minor laceration.

Gerardo and Jonathon Castillo were able to subdue Perez until police arrived and arrested him.

Castillo's other son was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries.