Police arrest man who allegedly stabbed caretaker

Police on Monday arrested a man for allegedly stabbing the caretaker of an elderly Costa Mesa woman while the victim was trying to prepare her food.

The victim takes care of a woman in her 80s who lives on Ford Road with her daughter, who is in her 60s, according to police.

The daughter’s boyfriend, 53-year-old Lyndell Flowers, frequently argued with the victim, Costa Mesa police Det. Sgt. Ed Everett said.

On Monday evening, the caretaker was in the kitchen when Flowers allegedly started yelling at him.

At one point, Flowers pulled out a folding knife and said, “You don’t think I’ll do it?” according to Everett.

The victim ignored him, but Flowers allegedly followed through on the threat and stabbed him in the back.

According to police, the victim only realized the wound was serious when he felt blood running down his back and went to a neighbor’s house to call for help.

Flowers may have substance-abuse issues that caused him to be aggressive, according to police.

“He’s been hostile toward this care provider for quite some time,” Everett said.

Officers arrested Flowers on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for a 1-inch cut near his shoulder.

Flowers is in custody in Orange County Jail on $25,000 bail and was due in court Thursday.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck