According to the Kern County Sheriff's Department, on Feb. 1 at about 10:45 p.m., deputies responded to 21199 Highway 46, in Lost Hills, for a victim of a stabbing.
Sheriff's officials said deputies found Mario Soto suffering from a laceration to the neck. Soto told deputies he was working inside the GMC General Auto Repair business when he saw three hispanic male juveniles in the front parking lot near customer vehicles.
Soto said he armed himself with a handgun and went outside to confront the trespassers. While in the parking lot he saw two suspects attempting to steal a car dolly from the business and a third suspect near a customer's vehicle.
Officials said Soto approached the suspect near the vehicle and tried to detain him when he was stabbed once in the neck. Soto told deputies that he fired at the suspects twice, once in the air and once towards the ground.
The suspects ran from the business leaving the car dolly behind, officials said.
Soto was transported to Kern Medical Center in stable condition. Deputies unsuccessfully searched for the suspects.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anonymous "text" tips can be sent to TIP411 (847411). Just type the key word "KCSO" prior to the message. Anyone having information on this incident is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at (661) 861-3110 or contact Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.
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