Brother Coming to Sister’s Aid Is Stabbed, Critically Hurt; Boyfriend Arrested

A 28-year-old San Diego man who allegedly choked his girlfriend until she lost consciousness, then severely stabbed her brother, was arrested early Sunday, La Mesa police said.    

Mark Hernandez Cervantes was booked into San Diego County Jail for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, domestic violence and making criminal threats, according to La Mesa police.    

He is being held on $50,000 bond with arraignment set for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in El Cajon Superior Court.

The suspect and his girlfriend got into an altercation, in which he allegedly choked her until she lost consciousness then threw her against a closet, some time before police were called about 1:45 a.m., according to La Mesa police Lt. Ray Sweeney.    

The woman regained consciousness and called her mother, who showed up with the woman's brother to the apartment in the 7100 block of Waite Drive near Violet Street, Sweeney said.    

A fight ensued  between Cervantes and his girlfriend's 21-year-old brother, and at some point the suspect grabbed a knife and allegedly stabbed the younger man his chest and leg, according to Sweeney. 

Officers found the wounded man lying near a sidewalk in south La Mesa, not far from state Route 94, and rendered aid, the lieutenant said.    

Officers set up a perimeter, but after a short time Cervantes surrendered to police, Sweeney said.     

The brother was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery, according to Sweeney. 

He was in critical condition, but had stable life signs, authorities said.   

The sister did not require medical attention, Sweeney said.    

Sweeney said the investigation was ongoing and asked anyone with information to call police at (619) 667-1400, or contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

—City News Service