Suspect Arrested After Stabbing Witness

Richard Orea, an 18 year-old (10/16/89) Whittier County resident was arrested today after stabbing a man who witnessed him vandalizing a residence. On March 4th at 12:45 pm, the Whittier Police Department received a call of a traffic collision in the area of 11700 Broadway Avenue. Callers were reporting a man lying adjacent a black Ford Mustang that appeared to be bleeding. After arriving however, investigating officers learned the complete story.

While driving in the area of the above address, the victim witnessed Richard Orea spray painting a wall of a residence and decided to verbally challenge Orea's actions from within his car. Soon thereafter, Orea ran up to the victims car and began stabbing him with a box cutter. The victim defended himself and received several cuts to his arms while doing so. Orea then fled from the scene. The victim however, was transported to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital where he was treated for his wounds and released.

Video surveillance and strong witness statements assisted Investigators in identifying Orea, which in turn led to his arrest this afternoon. The successful resolution of this case comes as the result of collaboration with witnesses and the full force of the Whittier Police Department's personnel.

The Whittier Police Department would like to remind the citizens of Whittier of the importance of our partnership! It is through the courage of citizens that we learn of crime occurring and may apprehend criminals such as Orea. While we openly encourage citizens to report such crimes, please consider your personal safety while doing so. If a suspect displays violent behavior towards you, stay on the phone with dispatch (if possible) and immediately seek safety; your safety is of the utmost concern to the Whittier Police Department!

While speaking with our dispatchers be prepared to answer questions that will help Officer's respond quickly and efficiently. Typically, our dispatchers will ask you for your information first, such as name, phone number, etc....in case you are disconnected. Then, be prepared to provide information relating to the location, suspect, suspect vehicle, and time of occurrence, to name a few. Again, it is through our partnership with your that we can respond quickly and efficiently.