CLEARLAKE — Clearlake Police responded to Jack in the Box on Dam Road around 8:51 p.m. Tuesday following a report of a stabbing and theft of the victim”s vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found Jonathan Vega, 22, of Clearlake suffering from a stab wound to the lower back.
According to Sgt. R. Joseph, Vega is a documented gang member who is well-known to the Clearlake Police Department (CPD) and has been arrested for gang-related crimes in the past. “Vega was not cooperative with police during the investigation,” he said. “This is making the suspect identification difficult.”
Joseph said that during the investigation, officers learned that Vega”s stolen vehicle had been involved in a hit-and-run incident near Carl”s Jr. when the suspect trying to leave the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, who was not injured in the incident, told police that Vega”s vehicle was last seen heading west onto Old Highway 53 from Highway 53.
Joseph said that officers began checking the area and located Vega”s stolen, abandoned vehicle on Old Highway 53 near Highlands Harbor Drive. He said witnesses who were contacted in the area said that the driver of the vehicle ran from the vehicle on foot and was last seen running toward Highlands Harbor.
The CPD continues efforts to locate the suspect, who is described as a Hispanic man, about 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet tall and approximately 160 pounds with dark, curly shoulder-length hair. He was last seen wearing a red baseball cap, carrying a red backpack. Joseph said there is not other suspect information at this time.
The CPD is asking anyone who may have witnessed, or has knowledge about this crime, to contact the department at 994-8251. Callers may remain anonymous.
