Hatchet-Wielding Man Arrested After Violent Attacks In North County, Officials Say

VISTA, CA — A man was arrested in connection with two violent assaults in Vista, including one involving a hatchet, authorities said.

The first attack happened around 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the 2200 block of Watson Way, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. A victim suffered several lacerations but declined medical treatment, officials said. Deputies searched the area but didn't find a suspect.

Deputies were later dispatched around 11:15 p.m. to a report of a stabbing in the 600 block of Sycamore Avenue. The man suffered multiple lacerations to his head, arms and hands, officials said. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries and was expected to survive.

During the investigation, deputies recovered a hatchet believed to be the weapon used in the second assault, the sheriff's office said.

Following a search of the area, deputies found the suspect near the 700 block of Shadowridge Drive. Jesse Guzman, 41, was taken into custody without incident.

Guzman was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of attempted murder, mayhem, dissuading a witness, and assault with a deadly weapon, according to the sheriff's office.

Anyone with information about the alleged attacks was asked to call the sheriff's Vista station at 760-940-4551.