El Cajon police say a department drone helped officers track down and arrest a 39-year-old woman suspected of stabbing another woman yesterday on the 1000 block of Prince Street, just south of Interstate 8. Officers arrived around 11:20 AM to find the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to her arm and torso, and she was taken to a hospital for treatment. The suspect initially bolted toward the freeway before officers used the drone and a Taser to subdue her.
Scene and victim
Police were dispatched after a 911 caller reported an assault in the 1000 block of Prince Street, according to law enforcement. Responding officers found the wounded woman at the scene with several stab wounds, and she received on-site medical aid before being transported to a hospital, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Investigators have not released the victim's name or her current condition, citing the need to notify family and continue the investigation.
How officers tracked the suspect
Police say the suspect, identified as Veronica Flores, 39, ran toward Interstate 8 after the stabbing. Officers deployed a department drone to follow her movements as ground units closed in. Guided by the drone operator, officers moved to detain Flores and used a Taser, which incapacitated her long enough for them to place her under arrest, according to KGTV. Authorities said Flores was armed with a knife when officers located her.
Charges and booking
Flores faces multiple felony counts, including attempted murder and child cruelty, police said. She was booked into the county's women's intake center after her arrest. While she was being taken to jail, Flores assaulted a police officer and caused injury, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Records indicate she was held at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility at 451 Riverview Parkway in Santee, per the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
Investigation ongoing
El Cajon police say the case remains active and are asking anyone with additional information to come forward. Tipsters can contact the department at 619-579-3311 or submit information through the Crime Stoppers portal, according to KGTV. No formal court filings were listed as of Wednesday evening while investigators and prosecutors continue reviewing the case.
