Rock Frontman’s Housesitter Stabbed

A man housesitting for a rock musician was in serious condition Thursday after being stabbed by an intruder in the singer’s Encino home, police said.

Carlos Canton, 44, was stabbed numerous times Wednesday night in an attack at the home of Five for Fighting lead singer John Ondrasik, said Los Angeles Police Det. Rick Swanston.

Canton’s wife, Alba, 34, who was hired with her husband to housesit, was scratched during the attack, police said.

The assailant -- described as a white or Latino male, 5 feet 10, 180 to 220 pounds and perhaps wearing a security guard uniform -- entered the house, possibly through a dog door, about 11 p.m., police said.

There were no signs of forced entry, and the home’s security system had been disabled earlier by a construction crew installing new windows and doors, Swanston said.

Police said the intruder entered the home, in the 5300 block of Encino Avenue, while Alba Canton was walking Ondrasik’s Akita-mix dog. Her husband arrived at the house shortly after she returned.

The couple probably surprised the intruder, who said nothing as he stabbed Carlos Canton and then fled through a side door, Swanston said. The intruder left a trail of his own blood down the driveway as he fled north on Encino Avenue, Swanston said.

Ondrasik, who could not be reached for comment, was reported to have returned home with his family Thursday after hearing of the attack.

Five for Fighting is known for the 2000 hit song “Superman (It’s Not Easy).”