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Three teenagers were behind bars Tuesday on suspicion of taking part in an assault that left a 32-year-old man with severe stab wounds at a strip mall near Sweetwater Reservoir, authorities said.

Edgar Rolando Gallo, 18, Cutie Marie Real, 19, and a 16-year-old girl allegedly attacked the man shortly before 10 p.m. Monday during an argument outside a fast-food restaurant in the 8700 block of Jamacha Boulevard in Spring Valley, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Following the assault, the assailants got into a vehicle and fled in the direction of nearby state Route 125, Sgt. Michael Hettinger said.

Paramedics took the victim to a hospital for treatment of serious stab wounds to his head and chest.

While searching the area for the assailants, deputies arrested Real and the underage suspect, whose name was withheld because she is a minor. Investigators took Gallo into custody later in the evening, the sergeant said. All three were booked on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy.

It was unclear what prompted the dispute that led to the stabbing.

— City News Service