Alleged Stabber Arrested In Santa Rosa

SANTA ROSA , CA -- A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of stabbing two people early Sunday outside a restaurant and bar, police said. Jose Santiago Lopez-Mendoza, of Santa Rosa, was at La Perla Tapatio at 1709 Santa Rosa Ave. when he and his friends were kicked out for being intoxicated, according to a Santa Rosa police news release.

Lopez-Mendoza allegedly retaliated by stabbing two security guards around 12:30 a.m. at the front door and running away, police said.

The victims were taken to the hospital with injuries that were significant but not life threatening.

Upon searching the area, officers located Lopez-Mendoza, who matched the description of the assailant and had a large amount of blood on his hands and clothing. The officers did not locate the knife.

He was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment, police said, where he became combative and spit on medical staff members. He is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon,
battery and possession of a controlled substance.

Anyone with information on the incident can call the Violent Crimes Investigation Team at (707) 543-3590.

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