Santa Ana : Man Beaten by Family of Stabbing Victim

A man who allegedly stabbed two people early Sunday was set upon by family members of one of the victims and beaten before police arrived and took him into custody, authorities said.

Paul Rios, 20, of Santa Ana, was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where he was treated for “numerous head contusions” before he was booked into the jail ward on suspicion of attempted murder and robbery, according to Santa Ana Police Sgt. Eric Vedborg. Rios was transferred to the Orange County Jail later in the day, jail officials said.

Vedborg said Rios is suspected of entering the unlocked apartment of David Anderson, 45, who was working in his home in the 500 block of East Bishop Street about 12:40 a.m. Sunday. Once inside, Rios allegedly stabbed Anderson twice in the back, then fled, Vedborg said. Anderson was treated by paramedics and taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where he was listed in good condition Sunday afternoon.

While police were investigating the first stabbing incident, there was a report of another break-in at a home about a one-fourth of a mile north on Chestnut Street. When officers arrived, they found one person stabbed and Rios being held by angry relatives of the victim.

Vedborg said Rios allegedly attempted to rob the occupants before stabbing Gabina Alaniz, 26, once in the left armpit. Alaniz’s relatives pounced on Rios after the stabbing, struck him several times and held him until police arrived.

Alaniz also was taken to UCI Medical Center, where hospital officials said he was in good condition Sunday afternoon.