The violent incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, September 18, at the landmark Mission Boulevard restaurant, which occupies the historic former Saska’s Steakhouse space. According to the San Diego Police Department, a man entered the restaurant through an unlocked side door before opening hours, threatened to “kill everyone inside,” and attacked Harnden with a knife. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Hector Manuel Vasquez II, was subdued by staff and a nearby resident who rushed in to help before officers arrived.
Harnden was stabbed seven times in the arm, face, and abdomen and underwent multiple surgeries, including treatment for nerve damage and a compound fracture. Despite the severity of his injuries, he remains in good spirits and continues to recover surrounded by family, friends, and coworkers.
A fundraiser titled “Support Matt’s Recovery” was organized by April Diaz and Melissa Hanes, who described Matt as a kindhearted and hardworking member of the Mission Beach hospitality community. “This senseless act has deeply impacted not only him, but also all of us who care about him and the community he’s such a big part of,” the organizers wrote. “Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.”
In a GoFundMe update, Hanes shared that Harnden expressed deep gratitude to the Moe’s staff who saved his life. “He would likely not be here without the help of these incredibly brave souls,” she wrote, thanking the team for fighting off the attacker and administering aid until paramedics arrived.
The suspect, Vasquez, has been charged with attempted murder and burglary, and a San Diego judge has denied bail, citing the unprovoked nature of the attack. If convicted of premeditated attempted murder, Vasquez faces up to 50 years in prison.
The attack has shaken the Mission Beach community, where Moe’s and its sister restaurant Molly’s have served as neighborhood anchors since replacing Saska’s in 2022. Patrons have visited to show support, leaving messages of encouragement for Harnden and the staff.
One eyewitness who intervened to stop the attack told local media that Harnden acted heroically in the face of danger: “Matt actually lunged at the guy when he saw that he had a knife. He put his life in danger to protect his coworkers and everyone inside.”
The GoFundMe remains active as friends, coworkers, and members of the local restaurant industry continue to share messages of love, hope, and solidarity.
Moe’s Steakhouse is located at 3768 Mission Boulevard in San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood.
To contribute to Matt Harnden’s recovery, visit GoFundMe: Support Matt’s Recovery.
Originally published on September 23, 2025.
