CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department said Wednesday that it is continuing the search for the male suspect in a Tuesday night stabbing.

A report from Sgt. Rodd Joseph said the investigation in the incident is being hampered by an uncooperative victim.

Joseph said Clearlake Police officers responded to Jack in the Box at 15945 Dam Road Extension shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday on the report of a stabbing and vehicle theft.

When officers arrived within minutes of the call they found 22-year-old Jonathan Vega of Clearlake suffering a stab wound to his lower back, Joseph said.

Vega, a documented gang member himself, is well known to the Clearlake Police Department and has been arrested for gang related crimes in the past, according to Joseph.

Joseph said Vega was not cooperative with police during the investigation, which is making the suspect identification difficult.

During the investigation, officers learned that Vega’s car had been involved in a hit-and-run collision near Carl’s Jr. while trying to flee the scene. Joseph said the driver of the other vehicle was not injured and reported that Vega’s vehicle was last seen heading west onto Old Highway 53 from Highway 53.

Clearlake Police officers began checking the area and located Vega’s stolen abandoned vehicle on Old Highway 53 near Highlands Harbor Drive, Joseph said.

Witnesses were contacted in the area and reported that the driver of the vehicle had fled on foot from the vehicle and was last seen running towards Highlands Harbor, according to Joseph.

The suspect, who is still at large, has been described as a Hispanic male about 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet tall, and around 160 pounds. Joseph said the suspect is reported as having dark shoulder length curly hair and was last seen wearing a red baseball cap and carrying a red backpack.

There is no other suspect information at this time, Joseph said.

The Clearlake Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed or who has knowledge about this crime to contact the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251. Callers may remain anonymous.

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