SANTA MARIA, Calif.- In less than an hour, two Santa Maria neighborhoods, one on Park and Pine Street, the other on Bicknell Avenue, were the target where two crimes happened overnight.
The first happened on Pine Street just before 3:00am Sunday. Santa Maria Police says it all started when a 23-year-old man decided to hitch a ride home.
"He got into the car only because he did not want to continue walking at night, even though he lived nearby, he trusted them and he took that chance and he didn't know them at all," says Lieutenant Rico Flores, Santa Maria Police Department.
Police say once the victim got inside the car the suspects pulled out a knife, demanded him to hand over all his cash, his cell phone and belt. Once the suspects got what they wanted they let the victim go, but now police say they need your help in finding the thieves.
They are described as an Hispanic male and female. The male is heavy set, in his 30s, with curly hair and at the time was wearing dark clothing. The female is about 25-30 years-old, thin, shoulder length hair and was wearing a black dress.
Minutes later, police were called to the neighborhood on Bicknell Avenue. Lieutenant Flores says when officers arrived they, "found that a subject had been in fact stabbed at the upper torso approximately four times."
Police say apparently the 24-year-old victim was arguing with another woman she knew.
"The only thing we know about the suspect involved is a female by the name of Michelle no further," says Flores.
Neighbors say this is unusual to hear about.
"It's pretty suburban here and peaceful, so it's pretty surprising to here about a stabbing in this area," says Brent Green.
Santa Maria Police say the victim who was stabbed is in stable condition and is being treated at Cottage Hospital. If you know anything about either crime you're asked to call Santa Maria Police Department at (805) 928-3781.
