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Santa Rosa Man Stabbed After Confronting Car Burglars

SANTA ROSA (CBS SF) -- A 50-year-old man suffered serious stab wounds to his back and neck after confronting car burglars in Santa Rosa early Sunday morning, police said.

Police received a report of the stabbing in the 900 block of Borden Villa Drive off of West College Avenue at about 2:45 a.m., police said.

When officers arrived, they found the man bleeding profusely, according to police. He was taken to a hospital with injuries that are serious but not considered life-threatening, police said.

Police said the man was sleeping in his home when he heard a crash outside. Outside his window, he saw suspects walking in a parking lot with a container and clothing, according to police.

When the suspects were out of sight, the victim went back to sleep, police said. Several minutes later, the victim heard the suspects in the parking lot again and he went outside to confront them, police said.

The victim told police he has been concerned about illegal dumping.

When the victim was talking to the suspects, one of them went behind him and stabbed him, and the suspects then ran away north on Borden Villa Way, police said.

Police are describing the suspects as Hispanic men who are about 20 years old with dark hair.

Melissa Keller, who lives nearby was surprised by the attack.

"It's just unsettling. I've got two kids who play out here.  and who knows who it was," Keller said.

Police said the suspects had broken into five or more vehicles and stole clothing, electronics and other items when the victim interrupted them.

Police said the burglary victims received their items back.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Police are asking anyone who has information about the case to call the department's gang crimes team at (707) 543-3670. Anonymous calls about gang activity can be made to (707) 543-GANG (4264).

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