An 18-year-old man pleaded not guilty yesterday to stabbing his teenage ex-girlfriend last week, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Jason Scott Gustin (dob 10/21/97) of Azusa has been charged with two felony counts in case GA099518: attempted murder and aggravated mayhem.

The felony complaint includes a special allegation that the defendant personally inflicted great bodily injury upon the victim under circumstances involving domestic violence. Additionally, the charging document alleges that Gustin personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife, during the commission of the crime.

Deputy District Attorney Presciliano Duran of the Victim Impact Program, who is assigned to the case, said at the time of the crime Gustin's teenage girlfriend had broken up with him.

On Aug. 22, Gustin reportedly reached out to his ex-girlfriend and asked that they meet to talk about their relationship, according to the prosecutor.

The two reportedly met and sat in Gustin's car to talk, the prosecutor said. During their conversation, Gustin allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed the victim's throat and then began strangling her, the prosecutor added.

The defendant reportedly continued to attack the victim by stabbing her in the back of the neck and the entire length of her right thigh, according to the prosecutor.

The victim was able to get herself out of the vehicle and run to a nearby convalescent home where she obtained help.

The defendant allegedly fled in his car, but was soon located in Arcadia and was later taken into custody.

Gustin is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 12 for a preliminary hearing setting in Department 5 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Alhambra Branch.

If convicted as charged, Gustin faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years to life in state prison.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Los Angeles County District Attorney / case GA099518 / September 2, 2016