A man trying to rescue a neighbor from a violent assault at a Westminster apartment complex was stabbed to death early Saturday, authorities said.
Alvaro Martín-Pérez, 48, was trying to intervene in a dispute between roommates when he was fatally stabbed, according to Westminster Police Sgt. Jerad Kent.
“Sir, Perez's actions were nothing short of heroic,” Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi said in a statement. “Tragically, his efforts to protect his neighbor cost him his life.”
A suspect was arrested after other neighbors stopped him.
“I'm sure there are many grieving families in those apartments today,” Kent said.
Around 1 a.m., Westminster police officers responded to reports of a stabbing at the small 1980s apartment complex in the 7300 block of 21st Street. Upon arrival, they found several residents of the apartment holding the man. suspect, whom police identified as Isaiah Saquic-Saquic, 35, of Westminster.
“The investigation revealed that there was an argument between Saquic-Saquic and one of his roommates, which led to a physical altercation,” Kent said. Saquic-Saquic is suspected of stabbing his roommate multiple times with a knife, Kent said.
During the altercation, Kent said Martin-Perez “attempted to help the victim outside the apartment and was stabbed repeatedly.”
Other neighbors were able to disarm the suspect and restrain him until officers arrived, Kent said.
The injured roommate, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Saquic-Saquic was being held in the Orange County Jail on suspicion of one count of murder and one count of attempted murder, Kent said.
“I have no doubt that his bravery saved the lives of other people in the area,” Lenyi said of Martín Pérez. “On behalf of the members of the Westminster Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family.”
