MODESTO, Calif. -- A group of suspected gangsters apologized for stabbing the wrong person after a Modesto home invasion, a woman who lives at the house said.

The attack happened Monday morning, reported KCRA-TV in Sacramento. Police said a 32-year-old man was beaten and stabbed by three men in the home's living room.

The woman, who spoke to KCRA but did not want to be identified, said she came running down the stairs with a stick in her hand just after 6 a.m. when she heard a commotion.

The woman said she confronted the men, asking, "What are you doing?"

At that point, one of the assailants realized they had the wrong guy, the television station reported.

The men tried to make amends before leaving, she said.

"The one guy that stabbed him, he says, 'You know what, I'm sorry, ma'am.' And he hugs me and said 'Please, we made a mistake,'" the woman said.

The woman said the men offered to give him a ride to the hospital and to his mother's home, but the man refused because he was so scared.

Police are looking for the three men. Sgt. Craig Gundlach said they will face several felony charges.

"No, their apology does not alleviate any crimes they committed," said Gundlach.

Police said the victim, whose name will not be released, is recovering at a local hospital.