Brutal stabbing caught on camera

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Santa Fe police are on the hunt for two men recorded on a security camera stabbing a store employee as he stepped outside for a break.

The attack happened around 10 p.m. Tuesday behind a smoke shop just off busy Cerrillos Road. It was a crime so brazen even police were stunned when they saw the surveillance video.

“This was more strategic and thought-out as to why they wanted to attack this 22-year-old male,” Capt. Aric Wheeler said.

Video from the Smoke Works shows the employee walk out the back door and talking on the cell phone. It appears he notices the two men walking up to him.

Seconds later, one of the men lunges at the employee jabbing a knife into his stomach.

The suspect pulls the knife out. As the victim falls to the ground the armed man tries to stab him again but the victim put up a fight and repeatedly kicked the suspect until the two mean run away.

The video shows the men never tried to grab the victim's wallet or cell phone. That is why police believe this was not a robbery and could be personal.

“There's usually more dialog, there's more interaction, there's threats that are made prior to somebody formally moving in and stabbing somebody,” Wheeler said.

The victim was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. As far as detectives know the victim does not know his attacker.

Police said no hesitation in a crime so violent has them worried the suspects might do it again.

“It is a concern," Wheeler said.  "We do feel that they are dangerous individuals, that they wouldn't hesitate to harm individuals."

As of Friday evening, the victim is said to be recovering but he may have blood-flow complications later in life.

Police said even though the second suspect did not actually stab the victim, he could still face charges for his involvement.