Man Arrested After Gang Fight Stabbing
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VENTURA — A Ventura man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of stabbing a 17-year-old boy several times in the arm during an apparent gang fight at a local park, authorities said.
The Santa Paula teenager was treated at Ventura County Medical Center and released, Ventura Police Sgt. Randy Janes said.
Ralph Joseph Morales, 24, who police said was a Ventura gang member, was jailed on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was set at $20,000.
Shortly after 5 p.m., two cars carrying members of rival gangs from Ventura and Santa Paula passed in the parking lot of Camino Real Park in the 4200 block of Dean Drive, authorities said.
Occupants of the vehicles yelled gang names and then both drivers stopped and a fight ensued, Ventura Police Sgt. Mark Stadler said. Witnesses saw several men brawling and one person reported seeing a baseball bat.
No other injuries were reported.
It was not clear if the victim was a Santa Paula gang member.
Police officers found Morales at the park minutes after the fight and took him into custody. A knife being carried by one of his friends was seized, Stadler said.
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