By SDCN Staff
San Marcos, CA–Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with a stabbing that occurred in December in San Marcos and is believed to be related to suspected gang activity.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened shortly after 4 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2025, in the 200 block of Smilax Road. The victim was walking in the area when a gray sedan carrying four unknown Hispanic male occupants pulled up alongside him.
Investigators say the occupants confronted the victim about his possible gang affiliation. The victim then ran toward a nearby apartment complex. As he fled, three of the suspects exited the vehicle and chased him on foot. During the pursuit, the victim reported that one of the suspects stabbed him twice.
The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his back and left elbow. Deputies responded to the scene after being contacted by the victim, who was later transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Detectives used Safe Streets camera footage as part of the follow-up investigation, which helped identify a possible suspect vehicle that had fled the area after the stabbing. Using the vehicle description, investigators accessed the Flock license plate reader system and were able to locate and identify the car.
Authorities said the technology, combined with investigative work by detectives from the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Gangs Division, led to the identification of the suspected attacker.
On Feb. 17, deputies arrested Yael Galicia on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and promoting and assisting a criminal street gang. Galicia was booked into the Vista Detention Facility.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station at (760) 510-5200.
