Man arrested in Carlsbad after stabbing at Home Depot in Encinitas

In Carlsbad, a man was arrested after reportedly stabbing a passerby at a Home Depot in Encinitas on Saturday morning.

The suspect, identified by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department as Hernan Padilla, reportedly entered the Home Depot and attempted to take the merchandise without paying. When others intervened, “Padilla pulled out a knife and stabbed a bystander before fleeing the scene.”

The stabbing victim was taken to a hospital by the Encinitas Fire Department in unknown condition after the wound on his leg had to be secured with a tourniquet.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, officers later arrested Padilla in the 7900 block of Anillo Way in Carlsbad.

Padilla was treated for injuries sustained while fleeing from officers and was subsequently taken to the Vista Detention Facility.

The motive for the stabbing was unclear. The victim could not be immediately identified.

City News Service contributed to this report.