UPDATE: The person of interest previously sought was located and detained Saturday shortly before 8:30 a.m. in downtown San Diego. That subject, 39-year-old Steven Calhoun of San Diego, has been arrested by detectives from the La Mesa Police Department for murder. Calhoun was to be booked at the San Diego County Jail later on that charge.
The search continues for a La Mesa stabbing suspect following an altercation Thursday evening (July 13) at the 70el Street Trolley Station.
La Mesa Police Department received a 9-1-1 call of a man down at the station, located at 7255 Alvarado Road, La Mesa.
A Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) employee began CPR until La Mesa Police officers and fire department personnel arrived on scene. The victim, a 47-year-old male, had an apparent stab wound to his chest and was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital, but was pronounced deceased.
Initial information gathered by investigators has revealed that the victim and another male were at the trolley station when they became involved in an altercation. After the altercation, the unknown male left the scene on foot, walking westbound on Alvarado Road. He is described as a male in his late-20s or early 30s with a dark complexion. He was wearing a light blue Chargers baseball cap, dark blue jeans, white t-shirt with black print, and a blue short-sleeve button-up shirt with a floral pattern. He was carrying a skateboard and at one point had a red face mask covering his nose and mouth.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The relationship between the suspect and the victim is unknown, but investigators do not believe this was a random act of violence.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic for 7200 Alvarado Road was closed in both directions for several hours while Detectives from the La Mesa Police Department’s Investigation Unit conducted their investigation at the scene, but has since been reopened.
A photo of a person of interest is being released at this time (see above).
If you see the depicted male, call 9-1-1 and do not approach him. If you can identify this male, call the La Mesa Police Department. They are also asking that anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident or anyone who has any information on this case, call (619) 667-1400.
You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.
