Resident suspected in apartment stabbing

Police have arrested a Costa Mesa man in connection with a shooting and stabbing outside of an apartment complex on Hamilton Street that happened in November.

Saul Padilla, 19, is allegedly one of several men who stabbed a friend of one of the apartment residents after confronting him in the parking lot, according to police. The resident came downstairs to his friend’s aid. Padilla shot both men with a pellet gun while running away, Det. Mike Cohen said.

Both victims survived, despite one being stabbed multiple times.

Padilla was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a firearm.

Drops of blood that matched Padilla’s were found at the scene and one of the victims identified him in a photo lineup, Cohen said.

“We’re not getting the full scoop because [the victim] is not talking much. It was either a parking dispute or they were in his space,” Cohen said.

The investigation is ongoing and police believe that other suspects remain at large. The gang unit is looking into possible gang ties.

— Joseph Serna and Alan Blank