Elder Abuse in Vista 

August 3, 2023 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that a man is in custody on suspicion of attacking his parents in Vista. 

It happened on Wednesday, August 2 just before 6:00 a.m. at a home in the 1300 block of Via Christina.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department received a call about a man who attacked his elderly parents. He reportedly choked his mother multiple times and punched his father in the face. The suspect then got on top of his father and choked him while covering his mouth to prevent him from breathing.

The suspect then broke into a neighbor's house and attacked a small dog. He then got into a fight with the neighbor. 

Deputies from the Vista Sheriff's Station arrived on the scene and took Barry Knowlton (DOB 02/01/1974) into custody without incident. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on charges of attempted murder, felony elder abuse, burglary, and cruelty to animals.

The elderly victims were treated at the scene for injuries to their neck and face. The neighbor was treated for a hand injury. The dog is also recovering from its injuries.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department