Gang connection alleged in multiple stabbing incident that occurred in Ukiah

On 10-25-2015, at 8:47 PM, Mendocino County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to the Emergency Room of the Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC) to meet with the victim of a stabbing.

The victim was an 18 year-old male adult who suffered multiple stab wounds to the back. The victim reported that earlier in the evening he had been at the soccer field at the Grace Hudson Elementary School when he was approached by two Hispanic males who appeared to be between 18-20 years of age.

The victim stated these two males confronted him because he was wearing a blue T-shirt. The two Hispanic males then repeatedly asked the victim if he was a gang member. The victim denied any participation in a criminal street gang.

The two Hispanic males then began to stab and beat the victim. The victim was able to flee the area on foot and received a ride to UVMC where he was treated for his injuries.

--UPDATE--

During the month of November Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office continued to investigation this crime.  Deputies learned of another subject who had been at the Grace Hudson Elementary School with the victim during the time of the attack.  Deputies were able to locate and interview the witness who proved deputies with a gang "moniker" which the suspect had used in the past.  Further investigation revealed the suspect's name which deputies used to complete a photographic lineup which was shown to the witness.

The witness was able to identify a 17 year old suspect.  Deputies learned the suspect has ties to a local gang.  It was further learned the suspect was currently in custody at the Mendocino County Juvenile Hall on unrelated charges of violating the terms of his juvenile probation. Deputies contacted and interviewed the suspect at juvenile hall.

The 17 year old suspect made statements to the fact that this incident occurred as a result of an early assault against him by a rival gang member.

The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office will submit this case to the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office, requesting the subject be charged with assault with a deadly weapon (knife) and a gang enhancement for his participation in a street gang.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Tip line at (707)234-2100.