Man wanted in three stabbings is a fugitive in SoCal, police say

Los Angeles County gang detectives believe a fugitive parolee wanted in three stabbing attacks is hiding in Southern California, officials said.

Without elaborating, investigators said at a news conference Wednesday that they believe Alfred Tapia, 34, hasn’t fled the area after allegedly stabbing his aunt, uncle and attacking his friend with a hammer over three days last week.

“His tendency toward violence is evident,” said Sheriff’s Lt. Martin Rodriguez.

Tapia, known as “Rascal” with the East Side Whittier 13 Cole Street gang, is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who sees him should call 911 immediately, officials said.

Investigators are narrowing in on a potential motive for the attacks after speaking with the three victims but weren’t prepared to reveal it, Rodriguez said. Tapia had been out on parole for about a year after serving time in prison for assault and burglary when the attacks occurred, officials said.

The attacks started in the early morning hours of Dec. 3, when Tapia allegedly went to his uncle’s house in Pico Rivera and stabbed him after what was initially an innocuous meeting, authorities say.

Two days after fleeing that house, Tapia allegedly visited his friend in Whittier. Again, the encounter turned violent and Tapia allegedly beat his friend with a hammer before stabbing him with a knife.

Then late on Friday night, authorities say Tapia went to his aunt’s house where he allegedly stabbed her.

All three victims survived and are recovering in local hospitals. They are cooperating with authorities, Rodriguez said. Authorities have talked with other family members who fear they too may be in danger, Rodriguez said.

Officials believe Tapia is driving a black 2003 Lexus ES300 with the California license plate: 5CFB492.

Tapia is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds with a shaved head. He also has several tattoos: one on the left side of his ear that reads “Whittier”; one on his left elbow that reads “CS”; and a third across his chest that reads “Kathy,” according to authorities.

Anyone with information was asked to call detectives at (310) 601-6051 or (323) 371-7387.

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joseph.serna@latimes.com

Twitter: @josephserna