Judge refuses bail in stabbing of bartender at Mission Beach steakhouse

SAN DIEGO – A judge declined to set any bail Monday for a man suspected of stabbing a Mission Beach bartender after allegedly threatening to kill everyone in the restaurant.

Deputy District Attorney Amanda Perez referred to the Sept. 18 incident at Moe’s Steakhouse at 3768 Mission Boulevard, in which a bartender was stabbed seven times for no apparent reason.

The victim, Matt Harden, whose age was unavailable, was eating lunch in the restaurant at the time. Harden was hospitalized in critical condition, and it is believed he will survive his injuries.

A number of people already in the restaurant stopped the attack. One man hit the suspect with a rock.

Hector Manuel Vasquez II, 42, is charged with attempted murder and burglary. He apparently entered the restaurant through an unlocked door. It is not yet known whether he knew the victim.

A witness told police he saw Vasquez slip into the restaurant holding a knife.

“He made comments that he was going to kill everyone in the restaurant,” said Judge Perez, adding that Harden was stabbed in the face and abdomen.

Perez said if Vasquez was convicted of premeditated attempted murder, he could face a 50-year sentence in prison. She asked San Diego Superior Court Judge Euketa Oliver for $3 million bail.

Vasquez’s attorney, Kevin Haughton, asked for bail “at what he can afford” and suggested $100,000 bail.

In denying bail, Oliver said Vasquez faced a life sentence in prison and also represented a flight risk.

“This was unprovoked and the victim was a stranger,” said Oliver. “Bail is denied.”

Vasquez stood watching the proceedings behind a glass module in blue jail clothes. He said nothing except for “not guilty” to all charges.

A preliminary hearing was set for Oct. 6.