On September 10th, 2025, at approximately 12:20p.m., a group was shopping together at a store located within the 1300 block of East Mission Road in San Marcos. Two of the males in the group began to argue with one another. The argument quickly became heated and turned violent. The suspect, Edwin Mendoza (DOB 5/2/2005) produced a knife and began to attack the other male. The victim sustained multiple serious injuries as a result of the attack. A female companion of the males attempted to intervene and was also injured by the suspect.
Several firefighters from the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District were nearby and witnessed the attack. The firefighters intervened and separated the males and detained Mendoza until deputies arrived on scene. The firefighters rendered immediate aid to the victims who were later transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. The male victim suffered severe life-threatening injuries. The female suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Currently, the victims are in stable condition at the hospital. Mendoza was subsequently booked into the Vista Detention Facility.
Media Contact: Detective Brandon Shelton
Email Address of Contact: Brandon.Shelton@sdsheriff.org
San Marcos Station 760-510-5200
