[LEMON GROVE / EAST COUNTY Wed Mar 11, 2026, ~1:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m.]
A man suspected in a stabbing in Lemon Grove led San Diego County sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit across several East County streets and freeways Wednesday afternoon before surrendering after a prolonged standoff on a freeway transition ramp.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the incident began around 1 p.m. near School Lane and Lincoln Street in Lemon Grove, where deputies were investigating an assault with a deadly weapon.
Authorities say the victim, a 30-year-old man, managed to walk to a nearby Lemon Grove fire station despite a serious injury. Paramedics reported that the victim had suffered a stab wound to the left hand and had left a trail of blood leading toward the station.
Deputies attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, but the driver fled, leading officers through El Cajon Boulevard, 70th Street, University Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue before entering State Route 94 eastbound.
The pursuit continued onto State Route 125 northbound and then toward Interstate 8 eastbound, where the suspect eventually stopped on the transition ramp between the highways.
Deputies positioned armored vehicles while ASTREA, the Sheriff’s Department helicopter unit, monitored from above. Deputies also cleared people from the Severin Drive overpass due to concerns they were directly above the scene.
The suspect remained inside the vehicle for several minutes and reportedly called 911, negotiating with deputies before finally exiting from the passenger side. He raised his hands, walked backward toward deputies, and lay down on the pavement before being taken into custody.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity. The victim remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
