Police identify victim and suspect in fatal stabbing in Pismo Beach

Editor's note: Suicide is mentioned in this story.

Police have identified both the victim of a fatal stabbing in Pismo Beach and the suspect arrested in Ventura on Sunday.

Andrew Rodriguez, 34, of Santa Maria is accused of stabbing Jonathan Perez in the 1200 block of Price Street on Wednesday night, Pismo Beach police said on social media.

Rodriguez and Perez were “known acquaintances” at the time, police said.

Perez was pronounced dead at the scene, police said, and Rodriguez was identified as a suspect shortly thereafter.

He allegedly fled to Ventura and attempted suicide. He was then taken to the hospital under the supervision of Pismo Beach officers, police said.

Rodriguez was released from the hospital on Sunday and subsequently arrested on suspicion of Perez's murder.

He was taken into custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail and is being held without bail.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Jason Stingley at 805-773-2208.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for people in crisis or those who want to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988You can also call the Central Coast Hotline on: 800-783-0607 for 24/7 help. To learn the warning signs of suicide, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org