6 Stabbed as Gang Violence Erupts at Magic Mountain

Six people were stabbed, four security guards were assaulted and 21 people were arrested at the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park early Friday in a wave of gang-related violence during an all-night party for high school students, authorities said.

Investigators said the trouble was triggered by members of two rival eastern San Fernando Valley gangs which had apparently decided to settle their differences at the Valencia amusement park’s annual “School’s Out” party, which was attended by about 25,000 Los Angeles-area youths.

Deputy Mike Ford said five men and one 16-year-old boy were wounded in stabbing attacks near a dance pavilion. All are believed to be members of the two Valley gangs, Ford said.

The deputy said that four amusement park security guards were hurt as they attempted to escort alleged gang members out of the park. One of the guards was hospitalized with a concussion after she was knocked down and kicked in the head, Ford said. The three other guards were not seriously hurt.

Park spokesman Scott Piazza said 11 sheriff’s deputies had been stationed at the park for Friday’s event after rumors of possible gang-related trouble were relayed to the park’s management staff. Twenty-one arrests were made after 25 more deputies were called in.

Ford said six youths were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the stabbings. After the stabbings, four other felony arrests were made. Charges included attempted robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit a felony, Ford said. Eleven others were arrested for misdemeanors.

Sheriff’s deputies were not sure what triggered the stabbings.