Ceres Police detectives are investigating the Monday, Feb. 24 evening stabbing of a 19-year-old man in the 1300 block of Richland Avenue.

The victim reported that he and friends visited a smoke shop near Hatch Road and Herndon Avenue, where they encountered a group outside the store and an exchange of words occurred. The victim and friends left the shop and drove to the 1300 block of Richland Avenue where they were confronted by the same group shortly thereafter. He told police that the group attacked him and stabbed him multiple times before he managed to escape back in the vehicle he arrived in and a friend drove him to the 1400 block of Crows Landing Road.

The crime came to the attention of law enforcement at approximately 9:56 p.m. when the victim flagged down a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy and explained he had been stabbed and where. The deputy then notified Ceres Police about the attack occurring in their jurisdiction. Officers found blood at the scene and began collecting evidence.

No suspects have been identified and the motive for the attack is still under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Matt Berlier at 209-538-5616.