Gang Fight Outside of Mall Leads to Stabbing

On Sunday, February 10, 2008, at approximately 3:42 p.m., the police officer assigned to the Vintage Faire Mall was advised by mall security of a fight outside the mall’s food court area.

When Officer Ruiz arrived several Hispanic males began running across the mall parking lot and into a vacant field. Officers were able to detain the subjects on the 3200 block of Nightengale. As officers were detaining the suspects the Modesto Police Department received the report of a stabbing victim located near the food court area.

When additional officers arrived they located a 19 year old Hispanic male victim outside of the food court. The victim was suffering from a stab wound to his abdomen. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment. Officers located a loaded firearm near the scene.

The victim appeared to have gang related tattoos. Some of the suspects also had gang related tattoos and were wearing gang related clothing. Witnesses reported seeing a white vehicle pull up near the food court entrance and heard the occupants yelling at the victim and his friends. The occupants of the vehicle exited the car and a fight took place between the suspects, the victim and his friends. The victim was stabbed during the fight.

Officers of the Modesto Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit responded to assist with the investigation. Arrested were Javier Torres 20 years, Luis Sandoval 18 years, Aurelio Tejeda 19 years, and four additional juveniles ranging in ages from 17 years to 13 years old. Surveillance video is being reviewed by investigators.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Modesto Police Department (209) 572-9500.