Man Arrested in Carlsbad After Stabbing Bystander in Encinitas Home Depot

A man was arrested in Carlsbad after reportedly stabbing a bystander at a Home Depot in Encinitas on Saturday morning.

The suspect, who was identified by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department as Hernan Padilla, allegedly entered the Home Depot and attempted to take items without paying. When others intervened, “Padilla brandished a knife, stabbing one bystander before fleeing the scene.”

The stabbing victim was taken to a hospital by the Encinitas Fire Department in unknown condition after the wound on their leg required a tourniquet.

Deputies later arrested Padilla in the 7900 block of Anillo Way in Carlsbad, according to the sheriff’s department.

Padilla was treated for injuries he sustained while evading deputies and then booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

The motive for the stabbing was unclear. The victim was not immediately identified.

City News Service contributed to this report.