Woman hospitalized after being stabbed on hiking trail in Whittier

A woman was hospitalized after she was stabbed while hiking on a popular trail in Whittier on Friday. 

It happened at around 12:30 p.m. on the Greenway Trail, which is located near Calmada Avenue, according to the Whittier Police Department. 

"The victim, an adult female, sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was treated on scene by first responders before being transported to a hospital," said a statement from police. 

Thanks to an accurate description provided by the victim, police say they were able to locate the suspect and take him into custody in a nearby neighborhood. 

His identity has not yet been released, but investigators say that he is 35-years-old. 

The circumstances leading up to the attack remain under investigation, but residents say that they believe they already know where the attack stemmed from. 

"We have a homeless problem," said Richard Montez, who lives nearby. "A lot of people set up their tents along the trail sometimes and it's not always the best situation."

Friday's incident is just the latest in a long string of issues tied to the area according to some.

"They're everywhere," said Tammy Sullivan, another Whittier resident. "We can't go anywhere without them, you know, behind a building, behind the bushes. ... I have a knife with me, you know, I have my dog, I'm always alert."

Anyone with further details is asked to contact WPD at (562) 567-9240.