Police seek teen suspect in post-party stabbing case

Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a 17-year-old suspect believed to be involved in a stabbing after a birthday party May 5 that left one man in critical condition in an Orange County trauma center.

Huntington Beach Police Det. Patrick Ellis said a $500,000 warrant for the arrest of party-goer and suspect Jacob Michael Barnes — also known as “Pelle” — has been filed.

Ellis said police were called to the apartment in the 200 block of Wichita Avenue originally because of a noise complaint, and through interviews with neighbors determined there were between 30 and 40 teens at the birthday party.

Barnes’ group of friends were among the first party-crashers, police said.

After the police left, the victim arrived with his group of friends and a fight broke out that involved Barnes and other guests, Ellis said.

Police interviews with about 15 of the party guests indicate the victim — a 17-year-old whose name was not released — was “forcefully removed” from the apartment by about four to five guests. Outside on the front lawn, interviews indicate they pummeled him with their fists until he fled on foot to the area of the Boys & Girls Club on Delaware Street, south of Yorktown Avenue.

The party-goers, among them Barnes, chased the victim, caught him and allegedly stabbed him multiple times with an unknown instrument, police said.

“It’s extremely important that [Barnes] comes forward as soon as possible to give his side of the story,” Ellis said.

Police say there is no known relationship between the birthday person, the victim and Barnes.

Barnes’ current address is unknown.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the police department’s tip hotline at (714) 375-5066.