Physician Subdues Robbery Suspect in Home

A Huntington Beach physician held a robbery suspect at gunpoint Wednesday night after the man dived into his home through a plate-glass window and stabbed him, police said.

When officers arrived at the home, the man crashed through another window and fled into the neighborhood but was caught, said Lt. Luis Ochoa of the Huntington Beach Police Department.

The incident began when a man authorities identified as David Milisa, 34, of Huntington Beach, crashed through a window in the home of Dr. Patrick Farrell in the 200 block of Crest Avenue about 9:05 p.m. When confronted, Milisa allegedly pulled out a small knife and stabbed Farrell, 45, in the hand.

“The victim was able to obtain a handgun that he had, and the victim’s wife called police,” Ochoa said. Farrell held the intruder until officers arrived, but the man then jumped through a second plate-glass window and ran.

After a short pursuit, officers apprehended Milisa, who was bleeding from numerous cuts. During a struggle to subdue him, two officers were injured, one with cuts and bruises, the other spraining an ankle.

“The officers said it was quite a fight,” Ochoa said. “This particular suspect could feel no pain.”

Milisa, after being treated at Huntington Beach Hospital, was booked at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and assault on an officer.

His bail is set at $50,000.

Farrell and the two injured officers were treated at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.