Church Staff Help Find Salinas Stabber

SALINAS, CA — An attempted homicide suspect was arrested in Salinas on Sunday, a day after he allegedly stabbed another man multiple times, police said.

Mark Sandoval, 27, a transient, was arrested Sunday morning outside a church in Salinas after church staff notified police he was in the area.

Police said the case unfolded when officers responded at 9:40 a.m. last Saturday to the 400 block of Lincoln Avenue after someone reported a stabbing.

Officers arrived to find a 59-year-old victim who was taken to a hospital where he was listed in critical condition Sunday.

Police said witnesses told them that a suspicious male walked from the area wearing a dark-colored jacket and blue jeans. Apparently, he was last seen walking west on Clay Street.

Police said they obtained video of the stabbing and a clear picture of the suspect's face, and from that they were able to identify Sandoval as a suspect.

Police searched the area throughout the evening and night and were tipped off by church staff in the morning. Sandoval was arrested a short distance from the church and caused no trouble for police.

Police said Sandoval allegedly had a stolen loaded handgun with him.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to get in touch with Detective Alex Rodriguez at (831) 758-7268. People who want to be anonymous can call the Police Department's tip line at (831) 775-4222.

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