Fatal Stabbing Investigated as Homicide, Suspect Arrested

OAKDALE – A 28 year old man was arrested following a stabbing at an apartment complex that left one victim dead and two others wounded Wednesday morning.

Officers with the Oakdale Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at about 10:48am at an apartment building near the corner of South 6th and G Streets. Arriving officers located several stabbing victims, and an individual upstairs that ran into an apartment unit. That individual was identified as a suspect according to Oakdale Police Chief Scott Heller, who also responded to the scene.

Officers called to the suspect to exit and surrender but he refused to come out of the apartment. Additional resources were called to the scene, including assistance from outside agencies. The Stanislaus County Sheriff SWAT team, along with several deputies, arrived to offer help with the situation. At one point the barricaded suspect tossed firecrackers or some type of explosive out of an open window.

Authorities used “less than lethal” rounds to disable surveillance cameras around the apartment, while they continued their attempts to reason with the suspect. He eventually agreed to surrender during the noon hour, exiting the apartment with his hands up. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Two women were rushed to the hospital for treatment of injuries. A man in his late 30’s was pronounced deceased at the scene from wounds consistent with the attack.

“Officers exercised extreme restraint during the incident, trying to call the suspect out of the apartment while he was being uncooperative, throwing explosive firework devices,” Chief Heller said. “He eventually did give up.”

Chief Heller identified the suspect as 28 year old George Grass. He was booked on charges including homicide, domestic violence, resisting, arson, and assault with a deadly weapon. He was held without bail and awaited a court date.

The events leading up to the stabbing, the weapon used, and the relationship between all individuals involved remained under investigation.