Man Arrested for Stabbing Girlfriend, Possibly Setting Apartment on Fire

FRESNO – Neighbors helped capture a man who police say stabbed his girlfriend and then possibly set their apartment on fire on Monday evening.

Adrian Verdugo

Police arrested 32-year-old Adrian Verdugo and booked him into Fresno County Jail in connection to the stabbing. He may also be charged with arson after the investigation is complete.

Officers were called to the apartment in question, located in the 300 block of North Diana Street near Belmont and Abby, around 4:20 p.m. due to a report of a fight at an apartment. When they arrived, they found a 34-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds to her upper torso. She was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where she is reported in critical condition but expected to survive.

Later that day Verdugo, a Bulldog gang member, returned to the apartment. The apartment was soon in flames and neighbors reported seeing Verdugo leaving the home, police said.

The neighbors chased Verdugo and were able to hold him down until police arrived. The officers arrested him near Illinois Avenue and Clark Street on suspicion of assault and domestic violence. Although Verdugo seems to be linked to the arson fire at the apartment, it is still under investigation.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the single apartment and put it out, but the next door apartments sustained water damage. Six apartments in the complex also had their power shut off.

The American Red Cross was able to help four adults and six children who were displaced from their apartments for the night find shelter.

Read More:

CBS47: Suspect in Custody for stabbing and Arson

ABC30: Fresno Man Stabs Girlfriend, Sets House on Fire