Police: North Hollywood Man Arrested for Fatal Stabbing of Roommate Who Attempted to Prevent Fight

Police arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of stabbing his 68-year-old roommate to death after a fight Saturday.

Manuel Garcia-Perez, the suspect, fled the scene wearing only jeans.

His 68-year-old roommate died after receiving multiple stab wounds, police said. The older roommate was believed to have tried to stop a fight between Garcia-Perez and his girlfriend, said Officer Wendy Reyes of the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Section in a written statement.

"The roommate attempted to intervene and stop the suspect from assaulting his girlfriend when he was stabbed by the suspect,'' Reyes said. "The victim suffered multiple traumatic injuries as a result of the assault.''

The incident was reported about 2:40 a.m. in the 12900 block of Vanowen Street (map). The still-unidentified victim died at the scene.

After a search involved canine units, Garcia-Perez was arrested near Barbara Ann Street and Bellaire Avenue at about 1:30 p.m., Reyes said.

He was booked on suspicion of murder and domestic violence and is being held without bail.

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