An Orange County sheriff’s deputy was stabbed while conducting homeless outreach in San Clemente on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the 1700 block of Avenida Estacion, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The deputy suffered a non-life-threatening 1-inch laceration to her neck and was treated at a hospital before being released.
The suspect, described as a white male in his mid-30s with brown hair, blue eyes, and a beard, remains at large. He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs around 160 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black jacket and dark pants. The man was spotted running toward a storm drain near Avenida Pico and El Camino Real.
In response to the incident, authorities urged residents to avoid the area and not to approach the suspect if seen, but to call 911 immediately. Nearby San Clemente High School and Las Palmas Elementary School were placed on lockdown for safety.
The suspect is reportedly a known transient who has had previous interactions with the sheriff’s department. A manhunt is currently underway as officials continue their search for the suspect. ABC7 reports that the deputy was on patrol with a partner when the attack occurred.
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