National City Police Search for Suspect Following Large Scale Brawl and Triple Stabbing on Highland Avenue

Police are searching for a suspect after three people, including a minor, were stabbed during a 30 person brawl in National City on Sunday night.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 12:15 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ABC 10News

Emergency Response to Massive Street Confrontation in South Bay

National City police officers were mobilized Sunday night following reports of a significant physical disturbance that rapidly escalated into violence. Dispatchers received multiple calls around 9:10 p.m. regarding a large scale brawl occurring near the intersection of Plaza Boulevard and Highland Avenue. Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic environment involving an estimated 20 to 30 individuals, prompting a heavy law enforcement presence to secure the perimeter and provide aid to those injured during the melee.

Medical Assessment of Multiple Stabbing Victims

Upon arrival, first responders located one individual suffering from active bleeding and quickly confirmed that two other victims had already been transported to nearby medical facilities by private means. The casualty count included two adults and one juvenile, all of whom sustained varying degrees of sharp force trauma. Medical staff have reported that all three individuals are currently in stable condition, although one victim is being treated for injuries classified as serious.

Criminal Investigation and Suspect Identification Efforts

The National City Police Department has officially linked all three stabbings to the singular gathering, though the specific motivation for the fight remains under investigation. Detectives are currently working to identify the primary aggressor, who has been described generally as a male suspect. Investigators are canvassing the area for surveillance footage and interviewing participants to construct a more detailed profile of the individual responsible for the life threatening injuries.