Stabbing Victim Leaves Hospital
20-Year-Old Hugo Anayo Out of Cottage; Suspects Still on the Loose
A man hospitalized after being stabbed Monday night was released from Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, according to police. No one has been arrested in connection with the gang-related stabbing, which happened near the intersection of Haley and Nopal streets at 8:35 p.m.
According to Lt. Paul McCaffrey, 20-year-old Hugo Anayo, a “known gang associate,” was walking when he was approached by three males described as being between 16- and 19-years-old. The three charged at Anayo, screaming gang slogans at him. Anayo tried to run, but was chased down and attacked. He was repeatedly stabbed, with numerous stab wounds to his head, back, and hands. The suspects fled on foot, and Anayo flagged a taxicab down and was taken to the hospital. There have been no arrests made, and it is unclear whether police have any suspects.
Later that night, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a 26-year-old male victim was walking to Mi Fiesta Market at 300 S. Salinas St. when he was approached by four or five male teenagers, one of which blocked the man’s path and said something he didn’t understand. One of the suspects punched the victim in the face, who fell down and gave the suspects his wallet. The suspects fled and the victim had a minor face injury.
