COSTA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2024) — Six individuals have been arrested in connection to two unrelated stabbings that occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

The investigation indicates these two cases are gang related but separate and unrelated incidents. While these are rare occurrences in Costa Mesa and overall crime declined in 2023, our public safety teams worked diligently to respond and resolve these incidents.

On Feb. 27, 2024, at about 5:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a fight involving several individuals near El Camino Drive and La Salle Avenue. Officers arrived and found one victim with a stab wound that could have been life threatening, but police officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue acted quickly with lifesaving measures and transported the victim to a nearby trauma hospital for treatment. The juvenile victim is in stable condition. In this case, five juveniles were arrested this afternoon. Due to their age, no further information will be released.

On Feb. 28, 2024, at about 3:00 a.m., officers responded to an unrelated stabbing near the 3000 block of Filmore Way and learned that the victim had parked his vehicle nearby and as he walked home, he was confronted by several men. One of those men stabbed the 18-year-old victim, leaving him with a life-threatening injury. The victim was transported to a nearby trauma hospital where he is now in stable but critical condition. In this case, detectives identified and arrested a man, whose name is being withheld to protect the active investigation.

“Thanks to the swift action by patrol and the extensive, detailed investigation by our investigators, as well as the use of innovative technology, we were able to take all suspects involved in these incidents safely into custody,” said Chief of Police Ron Lawrence. “Our team demonstrated their continued dedication to public safety by devoting around the clock time to solving these crimes within 48 hours.”

“We wish a speedy recovery for both victims,” said Mayor John Stephens. “I’m so proud of our first responders, their response demonstrates how well our City teams work together.”

Both investigations are ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding these two incidents, please contact our detectives at 714-754-5637.