CARLSBAD, Calif. — On June 19, 2025, at approximately 12:14 a.m., officers patrolling the 300 block of Grand Avenue encountered a large physical altercation involving multiple individuals. The incident initially began on the train platform located at 2775 State Street and escalated into a violent confrontation.
During the fight, three male victims sustained stab wounds inflicted by a Hispanic male adult suspect. One victim suffered a stab wound to the abdomen, another was stabbed in the back, and the third received multiple stab wounds to his torso and head. All victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Fortunately, their injuries were determined to be non-life threatening.
Throughout the month of June and July detectives conducted additional interviews and completed a thorough investigation in preparation for prosecution.
Following a thorough investigation, detectives from the Carlsbad Police Department’s Crimes of Violence Unit identified the suspect as 26-year-old Cesar Cervantes of Vista, California. On July 3, 2025, detectives served an arrest and search warrant at Cervantes’ residence. He was taken into custody without incident and booked on the following felony charges related to the stabbings:
245 (A)(1) PC, Assault with Deadly Weapon
203 PC, Mayhem
186.22 (A) Participate in a Criminal Street Gang
The Carlsbad Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of our community. Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Collier at christopher.collier@carlsbadca.gov
For more information
Lieutenant Shaun Lawton, 442-339-2288 or shaun.lawton@carlsbadca.gov
