Attempted murder suspect runs twice in one day

LANCASTER – A 19-year-old man accused of stabbing a woman led deputies on two separate foot chases Wednesday afternoon before he was eventually caught hiding in a medical office building, authorities said.

Jaquain Smith caused a commotion Wednesday afternoon when he ran through Antelope Valley Hospital while being chased by deputies. He ran across the street, jumped a concrete wall and then ran into a medical office building in the 1600 Block of West Avenue J, according to witnesses.

More than 30 deputies and a sheriff’s helicopter responded to the scene. Deputies surrounded the medical building and contained the area on Avenue J, between 15^th and 20^th Street West.

Elina Ortiz, who is pregnant, was in her doctor’s office in suite #304 at the medical building.

She said deputies came in and told them to lock the door and stay in until it was clear. “It was scary,” she said. “You never know the outcome.”

Smith was ultimately found hiding in the room next door. He was taken from suite #305 of the medical building and struggled with deputies as he was escorted down an outdoor staircase into a waiting patrol car, according to witnesses at the scene.

This was the second foot chase of the day involving Smith, authorities said.

The earlier foot pursuit began around 1:30 p.m., when Smith was spotted at a bus stop near the Lancaster Metrolink Station. Smith was wanted by deputies for allegedly stabbing a woman multiple times on April 6 at a Lancaster residence.

The victim came to Lancaster Station Wednesday afternoon and reported that she was being threatened by Smith, who is known to be armed with a handgun, according to Sgt. R. DiGiovanni.

While standing in front of the station, the victim saw Smith standing at the bus stop at the intersection of Lancaster Boulevard and Sierra Highway, DiGiovanni said.

When deputies attempted to make contact with Smith, he took off and a short foot pursuit ensued. Smith was arrested inside a furniture store in the 44700 Block of Sierra Highway.

Smith claimed he was injured, so deputies took him to Antelope Valley Hospital for medical treatment. Smith was able to free himself from the handcuffs and fled on foot again, DiGiovanni said.

“He ran through the hospital and exited through the north door near the emergency room. He ran north across Avenue J to the medical building,” said Lancaster Station Watch Commander Lt. Carter.

When Smith was taken into custody for the second time, deputies recovered a handcuff key from Smith, DiGiovanni said.

Smith was transported to and booked at Lancaster Station where he is being held on $1,000,000 bail, for the alleged charges of attempted murder and escape.

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