LANCASTER – A 19-year-old man accused of stabbing a woman led deputies on two separate foot chases Wednesday afternoon before he was eventually caught hiding in a medical office building, authorities said.
Jaquain Smith caused a commotion Wednesday afternoon when he ran through Antelope Valley Hospital while being chased by deputies. He ran across the street, jumped a concrete wall and then ran into a medical office building in the 1600 Block of West Avenue J, according to witnesses.
More than 30 deputies and a sheriff’s helicopter responded to the scene. Deputies surrounded the medical building and contained the area on Avenue J, between 15th and 20th Street West.
Elina Ortiz, who is pregnant, was in her doctor’s office in suite #304 at the medical building.
She said deputies came in and told them to lock the door and stay in until it was clear. “It was scary,” she said. “You never know the outcome.”
Smith was ultimately found hiding in the room next door. He was taken from suite #305 of the medical building and struggled with deputies as he was escorted down an outdoor staircase into a waiting patrol car, according to witnesses at the scene.
This was the second foot chase of the day involving Smith, authorities said.
The earlier foot pursuit began around 1:30 p.m., when Smith was spotted at a bus stop near the Lancaster Metrolink Station. Smith was wanted by deputies for allegedly stabbing a woman multiple times on April 6 at a Lancaster residence.
The victim came to Lancaster Station Wednesday afternoon and reported that she was being threatened by Smith, who is known to be armed with a handgun, according to Sgt. R. DiGiovanni.
While standing in front of the station, the victim saw Smith standing at the bus stop at the intersection of Lancaster Boulevard and Sierra Highway, DiGiovanni said.
When deputies attempted to make contact with Smith, he took off and a short foot pursuit ensued. Smith was arrested inside a furniture store in the 44700 Block of Sierra Highway.
Smith claimed he was injured, so deputies took him to Antelope Valley Hospital for medical treatment. Smith was able to free himself from the handcuffs and fled on foot again, DiGiovanni said.
“He ran through the hospital and exited through the north door near the emergency room. He ran north across Avenue J to the medical building,” said Lancaster Station Watch Commander Lt. Carter.
When Smith was taken into custody for the second time, deputies recovered a handcuff key from Smith, DiGiovanni said.
Smith was transported to and booked at Lancaster Station where he is being held on $1,000,000 bail, for the alleged charges of attempted murder and escape.
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Wilxsmith says
I’m getting an image of Keystone Cops.
sikntired says
I was doing a visit at AV convalescent center and parked in
that lot.Wondered what all that activity was about.Those deputies were moving prtty fast down J,glad they got him.
Patricia says
Start arresting the parents along with the kids then maybe parents would start teaching their kids how to behave.
RiseOfTheGuardians says
I’m almost positive that at this age, arresting the parent wouldn’t have much of am affect.
jules says
he looks grown enough to be arrested alone
Patricia says
You get the idea of what I meant, maybe not this brainless one but there are parents out there who should be arrested for allowing their children to cause problems,
T-Bone says
Where was LEAPS? This was middle of the day when it should be Patrolling the Sky! The had to go Old School with a Helicopter?? Waste!!
NotAgain says
I KNOW WERE THEY WUZ! THEY WUZ RE FUELING WHEN ALL THIS HAPPND!!! LOL
gladys says
I was there and it was flying over the scene. There are big trees around the medical building probably blocking the view. The guy ran into a door on the ground floor to the stairs that lead to the upper floors. The ground or street level is parking.
T-Bone says
My point is they don’t need LEAPS! They caught him BOTH times without the Waste of Money!
gladys says
agree. I did look up thinking the same thing about LEAPS. It was there, unless there happened to be some other small plane flying around above J at that time.
Golden hour says
OH wait, if there is video of this then he could sue and get payday….right? stupid cops chasing a young man…yes it’s sarcastic
Reality says
he’s not a young man, he’s a “youth” which is the media’s new politically correct word for an uncontrollable, violent criminal.
i.e.
“15 youths arrested for flashmobbing Miracle Mile” – Chicago Sun Tribune
“Youths swarm liquor store on E. Charleston, damage property” – Las Vegas Review Journal
“Tourists and shoppers overwhelmed by youths in City Center flash mob”
– Philadelphia Inquirer
gladys says
Homes for Trouble Youth….gives that a whole new meaning. :(
dumbandblind says
Funny part is he’ll be on the run again as soon as he is placed on parole.
RiseOfTheGuardians says
He’s a flight-risk, he won’t make parole. If he does, it’ll be after he’s served more try Han 3/4 of his time.
NRA Member says
Break his legs next time, he wont run..
Tired AV Resident says
I agree but then he and/his family would sue (& probably win) the Sheriff Dept for “excessive force” and then the taxpayers would be out $$, :(