SAN DIEGO -- A fight inside a car just east of Petco Park ended with the driver stabbing a passenger, leaving him in critical condition, police said Saturday.

The 32-year-old victim was sitting in the back seat of a white sport utility vehicle at 1600 K Street about 11:35 p.m. Friday. Witnesses saw the driver reach around and punch or stab him, said San Diego police Officer Brad Ruff.

The victim got out of the SUV and staggered to the curb as the vehicle sped away, said Ruff.

The man had been stabbed in the chest and his left arm was cut up, according to Ruff. He was taken to a hospital and, after emergency surgery, was expected to survive.

The SUV was spotted a short time later and the driver and a front-seat passenger were arrested.