At approximately 10:39 am on August 23, 2026, the Fullerton Police Department received a call from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department regarding an assault with a deadly weapon that had occurred in a parking lot in the 3000 block of W. Orangethorpe Ave.

An Orange County Sheriff’s deputy had been flagged down regarding the incident and was on scene when Fullerton Police officers arrived. Officers located an adult male suffering from injuries consistent with an assault involving an edged weapon. Orange County Sheriff’s deputies were rendering aid to the victim.

Fullerton Fire Department personnel responded and transported the victim to an area trauma center, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

The suspect fled the scene before officers’ arrival.

Fullerton Police detectives responded and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the assault. At approximately 7:33 pm, detectives arrested Rene Torres, a 46-year-old Fullerton resident, in connection with the incident. Torres was booked for attempted murder.

Based on the investigation at this time, detectives believe this was an isolated incident and that the suspect and victim knew one another.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detective N. Valdes at (714) 738-6754 or nvaldes@fullertonpd.org. Those wishing to provide information anonymously may contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS (847-6227) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/913.