Mugging victim turns tables on teen attackers

VENTURA — A prospective mugging victim pulled out a knife and stabbed the two young men who assaulted her when she didn’t comply with their demands during the Dec. 1 attempt.

Sgt. Brian Hewlett of the Ventura Police Department said the incident occurred just before midnight at the intersection of Ralston and Gaviota Lane, where the two young men approached an 18-year-old female and demanded cash. When their target refused to comply, the two robbery suspects assaulted their victim, who summarily pulled out a knife and stabbed both attackers.

With responding police units unable to locate the perpetrators, they soon received a report of a 16-year-old stabbing victim inside a residence several miles away. Investigation shortly thereafter determined that the wounded youth was, in fact, one of the robbery and assault suspects. A sweep of the residential area soon revealed the second suspect, Alex Alvarez, 19, suffering from similar stab wounds.

Both suspects were escorted to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of their injuries, with Alvarez being charged with assault and robbery, and his juvenile accomplice cited and released to parents.

Their victim was neither injured nor booked, as the event was documented and reported by investigating officers as self defense.