Robbery Victim Sends Suspects to Hospital

Victim strikes back after attack

Two would-be thieves targeting a woman's purse are recovering from stab wounds after a robbery victim fought back on Sunday, police said.

The woman and her boyfriend had just finished watching a concert at the Sound Wave nightclub in Mission Beach when they were attacked early Sunday morning, said San Diego police detective Debby Cotellessa.

Three to four men started hitting them through the car's windows after they got into their car, Cotellessa said. The man was pulled out of the car and beaten by two assailants. The male victim fought them off, however, with a folding pocketknife, stabbing them several times, Cotellessa said.

One of the alleged attackers ran away and collapsed inside the doorway of the nightclub, according to Cotellessa, who said the other suspect managed to get away and was driven by a friend to the hospital.

During the fight the woman's purse was stolen. Cotellessa said two nearby good Samaritans heard her screaming and tried to stop the second pair of alleged attackers from getting away. One of the good Samaritans was cut while trying to detain one of the suspects.

Charges have yet to be filed against the alleged attackers. Police say they plan a through investigation.

Cotellessa said no charges will be filed against the male victim, since, she said, it was a clear case of self-defense.

Contact Us