Attempted Murder Stabbing Suspect Arrested

On June 13, 2022, around 5:20 pm, the Santa Barbara Police Department responded to the Westside Medical Clinic (621 West Micheltorena St.) for a reported stabbing that just occurred.

The assault happened near the intersection of West Micheltorena Street and San Andres Street, and about 100 feet away from the clinic. The adult male victim walked into the clinic immediately after the incident occurred prompting clinic staff to call 9-1-1. The suspect was described as an adult female, not known to the victim. The victim stated the suspect stabbed him in the back with a large kitchen knife, then fled the area on foot.

A witness followed the suspect, while on the phone with police dispatch, and provided a detailed description and direction of travel. The suspect was later identified as 33-year-old Santa Barbara City resident, Vanessa Beatriz Alvarez.

Numerous Santa Barbara Police officers immediately responded with lights and sirens to the area. Approximately 5 minutes after the initial 9-1-1 call was received, officers located Alvarez in the 1700 block of Castillo Street where she was detained. As soon as Alvarez observed the officers, she discarded the knife but did not follow verbal commands. The officers were able to arrest Alvarez without further incident.

The victim and the witness both positively identified Alvarez as the attacker and stated the stabbing occurred completely unprovoked. Video surveillance in the area also captured the incident.

After receiving initial medical attention at the clinic, the victim was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for further treatment. The wound the victim sustained is not considered to be life threatening.

Alvarez was booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail for several felonies including Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Use of a Deadly Weapon Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury and misdemeanor Resisting an Officer. Alvarez’s bail was set at $1,070,000 (one million seventy thousand dollars).