Transient charged with attempted murder

By Jim Ruffalo
Crime Voice Contributor
Auburn — After several days of investigation, Auburn police arrested a local transient as a suspect in a pair of attempted murders.
Officers from the Roseville Police Department, at the request of Auburn authorities, arrested Tommy L. DeMastus Dec. 14 after he allegedly stabbed two fellow transients.
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“Apparently it was an alcohol-related incident,” said Auburn police Capt. John Ruffcorn, who added that authorities were alerted by a local ambulance company after one of the victims approached them regarding his injuries.
“He showed up in critical condition, and we followed the ambulance to Sutter Roseville Hospital where we eventually learned about a second victim,” Ruffcorn said.
The second victim was eventually located at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. Both victims are expected to recover from their wounds.
Ruffcorn said the investigation showed the stabbings occurred on the 400 block of Grass Valley Highway in Auburn on Dec. 11.
DeMastus, whose record shows numerous arrests for disorderly conduct, was transferred to the Placer County Jail where he faces charges of attermpted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.