FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lt. Chris Wynn, (760) 839-4444 / Crimes of Violence-Media Relations
On March 14, 2012, at about 9:58 PM, the Escondido Police Department Communications Division received an emergency call reference a male subject who had a serious neck injury. Officers arrived on scene in the 100 Block of West Vermont Avenue and found a male victim with a stab wound to the upper chest and a significant laceration to his neck.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he underwent medical treatment. At this time he is listed in critical, but stable condition. He is expected to survive.
Detectives and forensic technicians were called to scene and began an investigation into the incident. The motive for the attack appears to be robbery.
Detectives identified and arrested one of the suspects from this case. Michael Lawrence Rathbun, 22 years old, of San Marcos was arrested near the crime scene. He will be charged with Robbery, Burglary, Attempt Murder, Conspiracy and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Rathbun was booked at the Vista Detention Facility.
Detectives have identified the second suspect in this attack as David Ballard. Ballard's information was sent to the media and local law enforcement to facilitate the search. At 1353 hours, the Escondido Police Department Communications Division received a call regarding a petty theft suspect that was in the area of the 300 Block of West Felicita Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and recognized the petty theft suspect as David Ballard. Ballard was taken into custody without incident.
Currently Ballard is being interviewed and processed at the Escondido Police Department. His charges will be available at a later time. He will be booked at the Vista Detention Facility once his processing is completed.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to the contact the Escondido Police Department Investigations Bureau at (760) 839-4717.
