With help from the Chicago Police Department and the U.S. Marshall’s Office, Santa Barbara detectives recently arrested 19-year-old Juan Carlos Villa in connection with the March 30 stabbing on Cacique Street.

Juan Villa
SBPD

The incident — believed gang-related — left the 18-year-old victim with numerous stab wounds to his legs, arms, and body. Authorities allege that Villa and four other gang members jumped the victim as he walked alone in the middle of the night. They are all charged with attempted murder and committing the crime in furtherance of a criminal street gang. Four of the suspects were taken into custody within a week, but Villa fled the area.

According to Police Department spokesperson Lt. Paul McCaffrey, detectives tracked Villa to Chicago where, on May 24, they found him in a relative’s home and arrested him. After spending a few nights in Chicago County Jail, Villa was transported back to Santa Barbara. His bail is set at $1,000,000.

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