Search for man who stabbed Pacoima woman continues; victim identified

PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Detectives are looking for a man involved in the stabbing death of a woman at a Pacoima car wash across the street from the Foothill LAPD station.

The violent attack happened just after 7 p.m. Wednesday at Osborne Street and San Fernando Road. The woman was identified as 47-year-old Pacoima resident Maria Ontiveros.

Juan Rodriguez said a friend told him he saw Ontiveros at the bus stop nearby trying to get away from her attacker.

"There was a girl there and this guy, he was trying chasing, kissing, or taking (her) to the car like they knew each other, but she was running already from him," he said.

Police said Ontiveros was stabbed at the car wash. Detectives are now looking for the man and his getaway car.

"Officers responded to a possible homicide...and found a female down with what appears to be a stab wound," Detective Michael Berretta said.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the car wash and nearby 7-Eleven.

Some of the people who regularly use the bus stop said they were nervous about being out there Thursday afternoon.

Others at the stop said they will continue to catch the bus at that location.

Police are hoping someone saw something that will help them catch the suspect because the intersection is very busy around 7 p.m. Those with any information are asked to call (877) 527-3247.