Violence erupted in a residential area of Huntington Beach late Thursday night when witnesses say a man got out of a car and started stabbing people who were celebrating the July 4th holiday.
Two people suffered fatal wounds, and at least three others were hospitalized, according to police. The suspect was arrested at the scene.
The chaos unfolded shortly after 11 p.m. at 16th Street and Pecan Avenue, where a large group of friends and family had gathered.
“[They were] just lighting fireworks on the street … having a beer, and everybody was having a good time,” recalled neighbor Al Paciella.
Witnesses say a man pulled up to the group in a vehicle, got out of a car and started stabbing people on the sidewalk. Two men who were part of the gathering tackled the assailant and held him until police arrived, authorities said.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. At least three others were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening wounds.
The Huntington Beach Fire Department initially told KTLA that six people had been stabbed.
Police identified the suspect as Logan Kelley, 26, of Huntington Beach. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The motive for the stabbing spree remains unclear.
“As part of the investigation, we are looking into whether there is a known relationship,” Jennifer Carey, a spokesperson for the city of Huntington Beach, told KTLA’s Kimberly Cheng. “At this time, we don’t have those details.”
