Santa Maria man arrested in connection with stabbing that hospitalized an elderly man

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – 43-year-old Frank Castillo of Santa Maria was arrested and a 65-year-old man was hospitalized after a stabbing in the parking lot of Bank of America on Main Street and Broadway Thursday.

On Oct. 31, around 8:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to a reported stabbing in the 200 block of East Main Street, stated the Santa Maria Police Department in a press release about the incident Friday.

Officers located a 65-year-old man with serious stab wounds to his neck and head. The victim was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center where he remains in critical but stable condition detailed the Santa Maria Police Department.

Detectives identified Castillo known to the stabbing victim and seen fleeing the scene shortly after the attacked the suspect, explained the Santa Maria Police Department.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Thursday, detectives found the 43-year-old at his home in the 200 block of North Depot Street.

“Through a extensive, area canvass for both witnesses and videos, we were able to, identify and track the suspect to the 200 block of North Depot," said Santa Maria Police Dept.'s Lieutenant Daniel Rios.
“Subsequently, investigators served a search warrant at the residence in the 200 block of North Depot and located evidence. We believe that is connected to the crime," said Rios.

Castillo was arrested and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of attempted murder and elder abuse, shared the Santa Maria Police Department.

Police say the victim knew Castillo but the exact relation is unknown.

According to Santa Maria Police, the bail is set at $1 million.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Swanson with the Violent Crimes Unit at 805-928-3781 ext. 1648.