Kings County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Woodlake man on suspicion of attempted murder early this morning after a stabbing victim was found racing to a nearby hospital, law enforcement officials said. Alejandro Magana of Woodlake was pulled over and arrested at the intersection of Highway 198 and 11th Avenue at 2:10 a.m. Witnesses were able to describe the suspect's 2000 Chevrolet Camaro and its license plate to deputies, leading to the arrest.

The Sheriff's Department was alerted to the crime when a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Jersey and 18th avenues. The driver of the vehicle was reportedly trying to drive a passenger, suffering from a stab wound, to a nearby hospital, Sheriff's Department officials said.

The name of the victim and the status of his or her condition was not available this morning.

It is believed that the stabbing may have occurred in or near the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino on Jersey Avenue, although this could not be confirmed by officials.

The driver of the suspect's vehicle, Mayolo Banuelos of Woodlake, was determined not to be a suspect in the case due to witness testimony, a Sheriff's Department press release said. Officials believe Banuelos was merely a bystander during the incident who tried to prevent Magana from fighting with the other casino patrons.

Magana was booked into the Kings County Jail on suspicion of attempted homicide.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Feb. 23, 2009)