Police are searching for a 41-year-old man who is a repeat offender and considered armed and dangerous in connection with a violent stabbing in Claremont. The suspect had fled the scene before police arrived, and the victim was hospitalized with potentially life-threatening injuries. The suspect, Phillip Borunda, has a lengthy criminal history and is known to frequent Claremont and Pomona. The Claremont Police Officer’s Association has criticized the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s policies for releasing Borunda without facing charges. However, the DA’s office disputes this, stating that their bail policy had no impact on Borunda’s release in this case. Some residents are calling for change and a return to a law-and-order society. Josh DuBose reported
Police in Claremont are currently on the lookout for a 41-year-old man who is suspected of carrying out a violent stabbing. The suspect, identified as Phillip Borunda, is known to be a repeat offender and is considered to be armed and dangerous. The incident took place at the Metrolink Station on West First Street at around 4 p.m. on Sunday. According to a news release from the Claremont Police Department, officers responded to reports of the stabbing and found that Borunda had already fled the scene. The victim was discovered in a grassy area near the Claremont Museum of Art and was found to have been stabbed in the ribcage after an alleged argument with Borunda. Paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department transported the victim, who had possibly life-threatening injuries, to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.
Witnesses in the area expressed their shock and concern following the incident. Amal Najir, an employee at the nearby Jax Bicycle Center, described seeing a large number of police cars and an ambulance in the area. Melissa Larose, a resident of Claremont who owns a fitness studio, stated that she had seen the suspect before and expressed her fear for the safety of the young girls who work at her studio. Tina Rodriguez, a friend of Larose, added that she was not surprised by the incident, as she believes the city has been heading in an unsafe direction.
Police have revealed that Borunda is known to frequent Claremont and Pomona and has a lengthy criminal history. Since 2019, he has been arrested 14 times for various crimes, including burglary, arson, possession of stolen property, and drug offenses. Furthermore, Borunda is currently out of custody while awaiting arraignment for an arson case that occurred earlier this year.
The Claremont Police Officer’s Association has criticized Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, claiming that his policies have resulted in Borunda’s release without facing consequences, which poses a significant threat to the community. However, the DA’s office refuted this claim, stating that their bail policy had no impact on Borunda’s release in this particular case.
While authorities believe that the stabbing was an isolated incident and the victim is now in stable condition, some residents are calling for change. Dan Hartman, a resident of Claremont, emphasized the need for a return to a law-and-order society.
In conclusion, the search for Phillip Borunda, a violent repeat offender, continues as police investigate the stabbing incident in Claremont. The incident has heightened concerns among residents regarding the safety of their community and has sparked a debate over criminal justice policies..