This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Police Arrest Gas Siphoner Who Stabbed Man in the Neck With a Pen

Authorities now have in custody a 22-year-old man suspected of stabbing a man in the neck with a pen. The suspect, Joseph Carlos Beltran of Castaic, had been siphoning gas from a vehicle in Santa Clarita when the victim confronted him to ask if the car belonged to him.
In response, Beltran allegedly asked why the man needed to know, then stabbed the man in the neck with a pen.
The victim was not seriously injured. Beltran fled the scene, and authorities notified the public they were looking for him.
Beltran was arrested late Tuesday night in Palmdale while being detained by authorities for an unspecified reason, according to City News Service. He was arrested when sheriff's deputies learned of the outstanding arrest warrant for the September 5 Santa Clarita pen attack.
-
Cruise off the highway and hit locally-known spots for some tasty bites.
-
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year.
-
This fungi isn’t a “fun guy.” Here’s what to do if you spot or suspect mold in your home.
-
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
-
Edward Bronstein died in March 2020 while officers were forcibly taking a blood sample after his detention.
-
A hike can be a beautiful backdrop as you build your connection with someone.