Santa Barbara police searching for suspect in downtown stabbing

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Police were looking for the person involved in a stabbing in downtown Santa Barbara Tuesday, and officers say two good Samaritans likely saved the victim's life.

Officers said it all started when two men got into a fight around 12:30 p.m. at the corner of De La Guerra and State Streets. They ended up on the sidewalk near Starbucks, and one of them was stabbed.

Police say two good Samaritans applied pressure to the man's injuries while they waited for first responders to arrive, which likely saved his life. He was later taken to Cottage Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police said the attacker rode a bicycle away from the scene and was still on the run as of 1:20 p.m. Tuesday. Police said they were following several positive leads in the search.

Investigators said the stabbing did not appear to be gang-related and they believe the attacker and the victim may have known each other before the fight.

Officers said they didn't believe there was a general threat to the public.

Police did not release a description of the person they were looking for.