El Cajon police officers have arrested a 39-year-old suspect for allegedly stabbing and killing a young man at around 11 p.m. Friday near the 1000-block of East Lexington.

Police believe the 18-year-old victim was stabbed in the street and then ran for help into the nearby Courtyard Villas apartment complex near East Lexington and South 1st Street. Witnesses say the victim then collapsed and stopped breathing.

El Cajon police officers, paramedics and firefighters responded, attempting to save the victim, who died at the scene around midnight.
The San Diego Medical Examiner's office confirmed the homicide. An ME report later identified the stabbing victim as San Diego resident Diego Castillo.

Officers on the scene were told by witnesses that the suspect had entered a nearby apartment. Homicide detectives were able to locate Able Torres, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, along with the knife he allegedely used to stab the victim.

Torres is being held in county jail.

Neighbors reported several men had been fighting outside the apartment complex earlier in the evening.

Police have not released information on the motive behind the stabbing. The investigation is ongoing.