Man With Samurai Sword Held for Alleged Murder Attempt

A Seal Beach man is in jail for attempted murder today after he allegedly attacked a family member with a 5-foot samurai sword.

Andrew Baoan Nguyen, a 21-year-old resident of Seal Beach’s College Park East neighborhood was arrested last night at Seal Beach Boulevard and the San Diego (405) Freeway after a frantic victim escaped, ran down the street and flagged down a patrol car, according to the Seal Beach Police Department.

It was about 4:30 p.m. Monday when a police officer was driving along the 4400 block of Elder Avenue and saw the victim running down the street.

“The victim was able to get away, and ran down the street. The family member flagged down an officer who just happened to be driving down the street,” said Seal Beach Police Sgt. Steve Bowles. “It’s kind of scary.”

According to police, the victim said that a family member raised a 5-foot samurai sword and lunged toward the victim. This was after the two had been engaged in a verbal argument. The victim was able to run from the residence and escape physical injury. Police have not released the nature of the relationship between Nguyen and the alleged victim.

Nguyen was able to flee before police arrived on the scene, but he was caught shortly afterward, said Bowles. Police put out an all-points bulletin to local law enforcement agencies, and an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy spotted Nguyen driving at the 405 Freeway and Seal Beach Boulevard. (Nguyen) was detained and later arrested after being followed back to his house. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of cocaine, and being under the influence of cocaine.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Gary

Krogman at 562.799.4100 Ext 1108 or GKrogman@sealbeachca.gov.