Easter violence: SP youth stabbed in Ventura park, suspect arrested

April 20, 2001
Santa Paula News

A Santa Paula youth was stabbed repeatedly in the arm on Easter Sunday in what Ventura Police believe was a gang-related incident that erupted in the parking lot of a local park.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA Santa Paula youth was stabbed repeatedly in the arm on Easter Sunday in what Ventura Police believe was a gang-related incident that erupted in the parking lot of a local park.Ralph Joseph Morales, 24, was arrested on suspicion of stabbing the unidentified 17-year-old Santa Paula boy, said a Ventura Police spokesman. Morales is a Ventura gang member, the spokesman added.The incident occurred at few minutes past 5 p.m. when two cars carrying what police described as rival gang members from Ventura and Santa Paula cruised through the parking lot of Camino Real Park. The popular park is located in the 4200 block of Dean Drive in Ventura.Occupants of both vehicles yelled gang names, slogans and made gang signs: the drivers of the vehicles stopped and the occupants poured out into the parking lot of the park, where many families were visiting.
According to witnesses, a physical altercation ensued with several men fighting; one witness told police one combatant was wielding a baseball bat. A witness called 911 on a cell phone, summoning officers.The Santa Paula youth was found on scene suffering from several stab wounds to his arm; he was transported and treated at Ventura County Medical Center before being released. The Ventura Police spokesman said he is not sure if the injured boy is a Santa Paula gang member or was “just along for a ride. . .” No one else was injured during the melee.Morales was arrested several minutes after the fight broke up when officers arrived at the park; one of his companions was found to be carrying a knife, which officers confiscated.Morales was transported to Ventura County Jail and booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon; bail was set at $20,000.



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