NORTH PARK, Calif. (KGTV)--An arrest was made Wednesday in the stabbing death of a man in North Park on Monday, according to the San Diego Police department.
Thirty-six-year-old Brandon Cooper has been identified as the suspect in the death of 38-year-old Spencer Thompson of North Park, said Lt. Mike Holden.
Cooper was a friend of the victim and is homeless, police said.
"It's devastating. I mean I just talked to him on Friday,” said Adam Freeman, a close friend of the victim. Freeman says he's still in denial that his friend is gone. "I remember. I told him. Love you. Be safe."
Freeman had no idea his friend would run into danger just three days later.
“For him to be taken like that, it's upsetting to say the least,” said Freeman.
The incident happened Monday at 9:34 p.m. on the 2800 block of University Avenue near Utah Street. Thompson was on his way home just a few blocks away, someone stabbed him. A clerk at nearby Glenn's Market called 911.
Officers arrived on the scene to find the victim lying on the sidewalk with a stab wound to his abdomen. They provided life-saving measures but ultimately succumbed to his wounds at Mercy Hospital.
"He was a good guy. He was dealing with his own health issues. He wasn't homeless, a drug addict, a drunk. He was a good guy. I can't believe that happened,” added Freeman.
He isn't the only one who feels a big loss. He and his brother both worked at Safehouse restaurant in North Park, where Spencer would frequent. Freeman's brother and Spencer lived together in an apartment above Safehouse.
"We all loved him. We all cared for him. He was like part of our family,” said Freeman.
Cooper was booked into jail for homicide and an outstanding felony warrant.
"I tell you what if he is found guilty, I want him punished by the fullest extent. because he took someone who was very beloved by many away,” said Freeman of Cooper.
Freeman says he doesn’t recognize the suspect’s name and that he won't know if he knows the suspect until he sees a picture.
RELATED: Man dies after being stabbed in North Park
Sandy Coronilla is a KGTV digital producer. Follow her @10NewsSandy
