A convicted felon suspected of stabbing two people during an unexplained New Year’s Day attack near a Lake Elsinore intersection was being held without bail Friday.
Andrew Ernest Avila, 28, of Lake Elsinore was arrested Thursday and booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of attempted murder, mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and probation violations.
According to Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Jeff Reese, the attack happened on the afternoon of Jan. 1 near Lakeshore Drive and Spring Street.
Reese alleged that Avila engaged the victims, whose names were withheld, and in the ensuing confrontation, pulled a knife and inflicted multiple puncture wounds on both parties.
Witnesses called 911, as Avila allegedly fled the scene, according to the sergeant. He said the victims were taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where they were treated for life-threatening injuries.
Patrol deputies were unable to find the assailant. However, in the last week, detectives obtained leads indicating where he might be, culminating in his arrest Thursday morning on North Main Street in Lake Elsinore, according to Reese.
A possible motive for the attack was not provided.
Jail records did not list the suspect’s prior convictions.