Dana Point Youth Stabbed While Acting as Peacemaker

A 17-year-old Dana Point boy who tried to act as a peacemaker during a fight among a group of other youths remained hospitalized in intensive care Thursday after being stabbed in the stomach by a 14-year-old boy, police said.

The injured youth, who was not identified by police because of his age, suffered a stab wound to the liver Wednesday afternoon during a fight near San Juan Creek, Sheriff’s Lt. Richard J. Olson said. The 14-year-old, also not identified, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and booked into Orange County Juvenile Hall, Olson said.

The incident occurred about 3:45 p.m. when the 14-year-old allegedly began harassing a group of younger children in the riverbed at the rear of the 25700 block of White Sands Street, Olson said. One of the children ran to get help, and the 17-year-old returned to confront the suspect, according to the police report.

The two youths then struggled before the victim was stabbed. The alleged attacker fled on foot and was spotted walking along San Juan Creek Road about 45 minutes later and arrested, Olson said.

The 17-year-old was transported to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo. A hospital spokesman said the victim was in guarded condition Thursday.