PHELAN, Calif. — Two men have been arrested in connection with a stabbing that seriously injured a man in Phelan earlier this month, according to authorities.
San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly after midnight on Aug. 19 to the 10800 block of Riggins Road after receiving a report of suspicious circumstances. When deputies arrived, they found an adult man suffering from multiple stab wounds to his abdomen.
The victim was taken by helicopter to a hospital for treatment because of the severity of his injuries. Authorities have not released an update on his current condition.
Investigators later identified two men as suspects in the case: Nestor Francisco Sanchez, 35, of Santa Ana, and Antonio Rene Martinez, 37, of Phelan, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Sanchez was arrested Aug. 21 after investigators served a search warrant at a property in the 2400 block of La Mesa Road in Piñon Hills. He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder. County jail records cited in recent reporting listed bail at $1.15 million.
Martinez was arrested several days later, on Aug. 26, after investigators located him in the 14,800 block of Bear Valley Road in Hesperia. He was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, according to recent county booking information.
The arrests came after investigators worked to identify the people believed to be responsible for the attack. The suspects were not located at the Riggins Road scene when deputies initially responded, according to the available account of the investigation.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed what led to the stabbing or whether the victim knew either suspect. No additional details about a possible motive have been released.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Victor Valley Station at 760-552-6800 or San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001.
Anonymous information can also be submitted through We-Tip by calling 844-909-3006, texting “REPORT” to 844-909-3006, or submitting a tip through the organization’s website.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
